intro rad (Basic Radiation Concept) midterm

what is radiation

Energy emitted and transferred through space is called for short its the transfer of energy

Non-ionizing Radiation

refers to any type of radiation that does not carry enough energy
to ionize atoms or molecules ex. MRI, Ultrasound

Ionizing Radiation

is a special type of radiation that includes x-rays. Ionizing
radiation is any type of radiation that is capable of removing an orbital electron from the
atom with which it interacts. ex. X-rays, Gamma Rays, Particulate radiation (alpha and beta particles)

These sources can be divided into two main categories:

natural environmental radiation and man-made radiation.

what are the 4 components of natural environmental radiation?

cosmic rays, terrestrial radiation, internally deposited
radionuclides, and radon.

Cosmic rays

are particulate and electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and stars. radiation increases with altitude and latitude.

Terrestrial radiation

its the results from deposits of uranium,
thorium, and other radionuclides in the Earth.

Internally deposited radionuclides

mainly potassium-40 ( 40K), are natural metabolites. They have always
been with us and contribute an equal dose to each of us.

radon.

The largest source of natural environmental radiation is radioactive gas that is produced by the
natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is present in trace quantities in the Earth.All Earth-based materials,
such as concrete, bricks, and gypsum wallboard, contain radon. Radon emits alpha particles, which are not
penetrating, and therefore contributes a radiation dose only to the lung.

Diagnostic x-rays

constitute the largest man-made source of ionizing
radiation (3.2 mSv/yr).

These differences can be analyzed according to five physical characteristics:

mass, energy, velocity, charge, and origin.

All ionizing radiation can be conveniently classified into two categories:

particulate radiation and electromagnetic radiation

alpha particles

from an external source is nearly harmless because the radiation energy is deposited
in the superficial layers of the skin.

beta particles

is an electron emitted from the nucleus of radioactive atom .

alpha particles

is a helium nucleus that contains two protons and two neutrons

The types of radiation used in diagnostic ultrasonography and in magnetic resonance imaging

non-ionizing radiation

is suffient to stop alpha particles ?

A piece of paper or the outer layers of skin

beta particles can be stopped by?

one-quarter inch thick sheet of aluminum,can penetrate up to one-half an inch through skin