Question detail

What is the main difference between contamination and irradiation?

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. Contamination involves radioactive atoms, while irradiation is exposure to radiation.
B. Contamination is always harmful, while irradiation can be safe.
C. Contamination occurs only in nuclear plants, while irradiation can happen anywhere.
D. Contamination is a physical process, while irradiation is a chemical process.

Answer

The correct answer is A: Contamination involves radioactive atoms, while irradiation is exposure to radiation..

Explanation

The correct answer is A: Contamination involves radioactive atoms, while irradiation is exposure to radiation.. This supports the learning objective "Distinguish contamination from irradiation." 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: Contamination is always harmful, while irradiation can be safe.; Contamination occurs only in nuclear plants, while irradiation can happen anywhere.; Contamination is a physical process, while irradiation is a chemical process..

Common mistake

Contamination vs Irradiation Confusion

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

To fix this, 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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