Applications of Ionizing Radiation: Uses of Radioactivity for Our Benefit

The video explores the applications of ionizing radiation, including food irradiation, equipment sterilization, smoke alarms, material thickness measurement, and tracers in industry and medicine. It also covers medical applications like PET scanners and radiotherapy for cancer treatment, highlighting the benefits and safety measures associated with each use.

Which type of ionizing radiation is used to sterilize food and equipment?

• Gamma rays

• Beta particles

• Neutrons

• Alpha particles

What role do alpha particles play in smoke alarms?

• They create a magnetic field to attract smoke.

• They emit light to signal a fire.

• They produce sound waves to alert occupants.

• They detect the presence of smoke by ionizing the air.

How is the thickness of a material measured using ionizing radiation?

• By detecting the beta particles passing through

• By measuring the gamma rays absorbed

• By counting the number of alpha particles passing through

• By observing the neutron reflection

What is a common use of gamma rays as tracers in industry?

• To sterilize medical equipment

• To power smoke alarms

• To detect leaks in underground pipes

• To measure the thickness of materials

In medical diagnostics, why are gamma rays preferred for tracing?

• They are less harmful than other radiations

• They can penetrate the skin and be detected externally

• They are cheaper to produce

• They have a longer half-life

What is the purpose of using positron-emitting isotopes in PET scans?

• To emit sound waves

• To detect gamma rays from positron-electron annihilation

• To produce X-rays

• To create a magnetic field

How does external radiotherapy target cancer cells?

• By directing multiple gamma rays or X-rays at the tumor

• By using alpha particles to penetrate the tumor

• By applying a magnetic field to the tumor

• By heating the tumor with infrared rays