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#43

4.4.2.4 Contamination

Paper 1 · Higher combined

Spec reference: 4.4.2 (subtopic).

What you need to know

  • Contamination
  • When unwanted radioactive atoms get onto
  • an object, it is possible for the radioactive
  • particles to get inside the body.
  • Protective clothing should be worn when
  • handling radioactive material.
  • Irradiation
  • Irradiation occurs when materials are near a radioactive source. The source is sometimes

Self-assessment (checklist)

  • I can describe what is meant by radioactive
  • I can explain what is meant by irradiation.
  • I can compare the hazards associated with
  • I can suggest how to manage the use of radioactive
  • I can explain why the findings of studies into the effects

Key steps (method)

  • Identify what the question is testing and use the correct equation/definition.
  • Show substitutions and units clearly.

Common mistakes

  • Unit conversions, rearranging errors, or quoting a law without applying it.