What does irradiation mean?

Irradiation is the process by which objects are exposed to radiation.


For example, if you get hit by some beta radiation, you have been irradiated.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is ionising radiation?

Ionising radiation is radiation that has enough energy to remove an electron from an atom/molecule, causing it to become positively charged. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Name 4 types of ionising radiation.

  1. Alpha radiation.
  2. Beta radiation.
  3. Gamma radiation
  4. X-rays.


Neutron radiation and some types of ultraviolet radiation are also ionising.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What does contamination mean (in the context of radioactivity)?

Contamination is when radioactive particles get onto your body or other objects.


For example, if some radioactive liquid gets on your clothes, your clothes are contaminated.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

When exposed to radiation, what factors determine how harmful the radiation is?

  1. The type of radiation.
  2. Where you're exposed to the radiation.
  3. The amount of radiation you receive.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

For radioactive substances inside the body, which type of radiation is the most harmful? Explain.

Alpha radiation, because it's the most ionising, so damages our cells the most.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Why is ionising radiation harmful?

It can damage our cells, or cause mutations which can lead to cancer. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

For a radioactive substance 1 m away from our body, which type of radiation is the most harmful? Explain.

Beta radiation because it would be able to reach our body and is moderately ionising.


Alpha radiation would not be penetrating enough to reach our body, and gamma radiation is not ionising enough to do much harm. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

When exposed to a radioactive substance, which factors affect the amount of radiation you receive?

  1. How far away from the source you are.
  2. How long you're exposed for.
  3. How radioactive the substance is.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What safety precautions can be taken when handling radioactive substances?

  1. Use tongs when picking up the radioactive substance.
  2. Store the radioactive substance in a lead-lined box.
  3. Wear overalls/goggles/gloves.
  4. Keep the substance out for as short a time as possible.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.