Question detail
What distinguishes contamination from irradiation?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
- A. Contamination involves exposure to radiation, while irradiation involves radioactive atoms being present.
- B. Contamination is the unwanted presence of radioactive atoms, while irradiation is exposure to ionising radiation.
- C. Contamination occurs only outside the body, while irradiation occurs inside.
- D. Contamination is always harmful, while irradiation is not.
Answer
The correct answer is B: Contamination is the unwanted presence of radioactive atoms, while irradiation is exposure to ionising radiation..
Explanation
The correct answer is B: Contamination is the unwanted presence of radioactive atoms, while irradiation is exposure to ionising radiation.. This supports the learning objective "Explain why alpha-emitting contamination inside the body is particularly dangerous." 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 involves exposure to radiation, while irradiation involves radioactive atoms being present.; Contamination occurs only outside the body, while irradiation occurs inside.; Contamination is always harmful, while irradiation is not..
Common mistake
Alpha Radiation Danger
Students often think that alpha radiation is not harmful when inside the body because it cannot penetrate the skin.
Emphasize that alpha particles are highly ionising and can cause significant damage to internal tissues, making them particularly dangerous when ingested or inhaled.
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