Radiation Safety and Uses

IGCSE Edexcel Physics
7.9-7.16 Uses and Safety
Key Concepts: Detectors measure radiation. Ionizing radiation can be harmful but has useful applications.

Section A: Detection and Background

1. Name two detectors of ionizing radiation. [2]
2. State one source of background radiation. [1]

Section B: Uses and Safety

3. Give one medical use and one industrial use of radioactivity. [2]
4. State two hazards of ionizing radiation. [2]
5. Give two ways to reduce exposure to radiation. [2]
Total marks: 9

Mark Scheme

1. Geiger-Muller tube, film badge (any two) [2]
2. Rocks, cosmic rays, radon (any one) [1]
3. Tracers/radiotherapy; thickness control/sterilization [2]
4. Mutations, cancer, tissue damage [2]
5. Shielding, distance, reduce time [2]