Question detail

Why is alpha-emitting contamination inside the body particularly dangerous?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and nuclear radiation

Question

A. Alpha particles are strongly ionising and can cause significant damage to cells
B. Alpha particles can penetrate deeply into tissues
C. Alpha particles are weakly ionising and pose little risk
D. Alpha particles are easily absorbed by the skin

Answer

The correct answer is A: Alpha particles are strongly ionising and can cause significant damage to cells.

Explanation

The correct answer is A: Alpha particles are strongly ionising and can cause significant damage to cells. This supports the learning objective "Define radioactive contamination as the unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on or inside an object or person." in Radioactive contamination because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Radioactive contamination idea: Alpha particles can penetrate deeply into tissues; Alpha particles are weakly ionising and pose little risk; Alpha particles are easily absorbed by the skin.

Common mistake

Confusing Contamination with Irradiation

Students often confuse radioactive contamination with irradiation, thinking that both terms mean the same thing.

Remember that contamination refers to the unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on or inside an object or person, while irradiation is simply exposure to ionising radiation from a radioactive source.

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