6.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Radiation

These flashcards summarize key concepts and definitions related to the health effects and consequences of nuclear radiation, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Radiation Sickness

A collection of immediate effects such as nausea, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhoea caused by exposure to nuclear radiation.

Chernobyl Disaster

A nuclear accident that occurred in 1986 due to a combination of old technology and operator error, leading to significant radiation exposure and long-term health effects.

Fukushima Daiichi Disaster

Nuclear accident in 2011 caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami that disabled backup generators and led to reactor meltdown.

Radioisotopes Advantages

Benefits include medical applications, radiometric dating, medical diagnosis, and food preservation.

Radioisotopes Disadvantages

Adverse effects include nuclear disasters, radiation sickness, mutations, birth defects, and environmental contamination.

Nuclear Fallout

Radioactive particles that fall back to Earth after a nuclear explosion, increasing background radiation in affected areas.

Thermal Flash

The enormous amounts of heat and radiation that spread from the center of a nuclear explosion, known as ground zero.

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)

A burst of energy released during a nuclear explosion that can disrupt electrical systems and power grids.

Acute Radiation Poisoning

A serious health condition that arises from high doses of radiation exposure, often leading to severe health effects and death.

Health Effects of Radiation Exposure

Can include immediate symptoms such as radiation sickness, as well as long-term effects like cancer, immune system collapse, and genetic mutations.