Radiation and Radioactivity

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to radioactivity, its applications, and associated biological effects.

Radioactivity

The process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.

Radiocarbon dating

A method used to determine the age of ancient organic materials based on the decay of carbon-14.

Half-life

The time it takes for half of the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.

Ionizing radiation

Radiation that carries enough energy to ionize atoms, potentially causing cellular damage.

Sieverts (Sv)

A unit used to measure the biological effect of ionizing radiation.

Chernobyl Event

A catastrophic nuclear accident in 1986 that released large quantities of radioactive material into the atmosphere.

Fukushima Event

A nuclear disaster in 2011 caused by an earthquake and tsunami leading to reactor core meltdowns.

Radon

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that arises from the decay of uranium and thorium in the ground.

Radiation sickness

A condition that occurs from high doses of radiation exposure, resulting in various acute health effects.

Uranium-lead dating

A radiometric dating method used to date rocks and minerals, especially those over millions to billions of years.

Potassium-Argon dating

A method for dating volcanic rocks and minerals that are older than 100,000 years.

Acute effects of radiation

Short-term health effects resulting from high radiation exposure, such as nausea and organ failure.

Chronic effects of radiation

Long-term health risks associated with lower radiation doses, including increased cancer risk.

Sources of radioactivity

Includes naturally occurring elements like radon, and manmade sources like medical isotopes and nuclear power.

Radiometric dating methods

Techniques used to date materials by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as carbon-14.

Thermoluminescence Dating

A method used to date materials that have been heated in the past by measuring light released upon heating.

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Dating

A technique used to date sediments at archaeological sites by measuring the amount of luminescence emitted.

Biological effects of ionizing radiation

Include cell damage, mutations, increased cancer risk, and other health issues resulting from exposure.