Question 1: Define irradiation in the context of radioactivity.

Answer: Irradiation is the exposure of objects or living organisms to radiation without becoming radioactive themselves.

Question 2: Describe how contamination differs from irradiation.

Answer: Contamination involves radioactive particles settling on or inside objects or organisms, making them radioactive, whereas irradiation does not cause objects to become radioactive.

Question 3: Explain why contamination poses a different level of risk compared to irradiation.

Answer: Contamination makes objects or organisms radioactive, leading to ongoing radiation exposure and potential health hazards, while irradiation only exposes them temporarily without making them radioactive.

Question 4: Which of the following best describes a safety precaution when handling radioactive materials to prevent contamination?

Answer: All of the above

Question 5: Fill in the blank: Radioactive contamination can occur when particles ________ on surfaces or inside objects.

Answer: settle

Question 6: Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate the difference between irradiation and contamination.

Answer: One experiment involves exposing a surface to radiation without particles touching it to demonstrate irradiation, versus physically placing radioactive particles on a surface to show contamination. Safety measures include using shielding and remote handling to prevent exposure.

Question 7: Calculate the dose received by a person if they are exposed to a radiation source emitting 5 millisieverts per hour for 3 hours.

Answer: 15 mSv

Question 8: An object was exposed to a radioactive source that emits 0.2 Sv/hour. How much radiation does it receive after 4 hours? Show your calculation.

Answer: 0.8 Sv

Question 9: Explain how industries use the knowledge of irradiation and contamination to ensure safety in medical sterilization processes.

Answer: Industries utilize irradiation to sterilize medical equipment by exposing them to controlled radiation, ensuring bacteria and viruses are destroyed without contaminating the items. Proper shielding and safety protocols prevent contamination of the environment and personnel.

Question 10: In terms of radioactive safety, why is it important to distinguish between irradiation and contamination?

Answer: Because contamination makes objects or people radioactive, requiring strict decontamination procedures, while irradiation does not cause objects to become radioactive, only exposing them temporarily, which affects safety protocols.