The stability of a nucleus can be achieved through the emission of different types of particles or waves, resulting in various forms of radioactive decay and the production of ionizing radiation. Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons are among the most frequently observed types.Alpha decay involves the release of heavy, positively charged particles by the decaying nuclei to attain greater stability. These particles are unable to penetrate the skin and are often effectively blocked by a single sheet of paper.
Depending on the type of particles or waves that the nucleus releases to become stable, there are various kinds of radioactive decay leading to ionizing radiation. The most common types are alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays and neutrons.
Alpha radiation
During alpha radiation, the nuclei undergoing decay emit heavy, positively charged particles to achieve greater stability. These particles are generally unable to pass through the skin to cause harm and can often be effectively blocked by the use of just a single sheet of paper.
Nevertheless, should alpha-emitting substances enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or drinking, they can directly impact internal tissues, potentially causing harm to health.An instance of an element decaying through alpha particles is Americium-241, utilized in smoke detectors worldwide.
Beta radiation
During beta radiation, the nuclei emit small particles (electrons), which are more penetrating than alpha particles and have the ability to traverse a range of 1-2 centimeters of water, contingent upon their energy level. Typically, a thin sheet of aluminum measuring a few millimeters in thickness can effectively block beta radiation.
Gamma rays
Gamma rays, with a wide range of uses including cancer therapy, belong to the category of electromagnetic radiation, akin to X-rays. While certain gamma rays can traverse the human body without repercussions, others can be absorbed and potentially cause harm. Thick concrete or lead walls are able to mitigate the risk associated with gamma rays by lowering their intensity, which is why treatment rooms in hospitals designed for cancer patients are constructed with such robust walls.
Neutrons
Neutrons, as relatively heavy particles and key components of the nucleus, can be generated through various methods, such as nuclear reactors or nuclear reactions triggered by high-energy particles in accelerator beams. These neutrons serve as a notable source of indirectly ionizing radiation.
Ways to Against the Radiation Exposure
Three of the most basic and easy to follow principles of radiation protection are: Time, Distance, Shielding.
Time
The radiation dose accumulated by a radiation worker increases in direct relation to the duration of proximity to the radiation source. Less time spent near the source results in a lower radiation dose. Conversely, an increase in the time spent in the radiation field leads to a greater radiation dose received. Therefore, minimizing the time spent in any radiation field minimizes the radiation exposure.
Distance
Enhancing the separation between a person and the radiation source proves to be an efficient approach to reducing radiation exposure. As the distance from the radiation source grows, the radiation dose level diminishes considerably. Limiting proximity to the radiation source is especially effective for curtailing radiation exposure during mobile radiography and fluoroscopy procedures. The decrease in exposure can be quantified using the inverse square law, which outlines the connection between distance and radiation intensity. This law asserts that the intensity of radiation at a specified distance from a point source is inversely related to the square of the distance.
Shielding
If maintaining the maximum distance and minimum time does not guarantee a sufficiently low radiation dose, it becomes necessary to implement effective shielding to adequately attenuate the radiation beam. The material used to attenuate the radiation is known as a shield, and its implementation serves to reduce exposure to both patients and the general public.
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Post time: Jan-08-2024
