EESA01H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Tumor Suppressor Gene, Beta Particle, Nuclear Meltdown
17 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Radiation energy in transit, in packets, behaving either as particles or as waves. Radioactive decay decaying of atoms of certain chemical elements such as uranium. Chemicals exist as different isotopes and can be stable, unstable or radioactive. An alpha particle consists of 2 protons plus 2 neutrons. Each radioactive isotope or radionuclide has a half-life which is the time it takes for half of the atom to undergo radioactive decay. Gama radiation is a burst of energy that releases alpha or beta particles. We cannot escape radiation: background radiation - natural radioactivity in the earth and by cosmic rays from outer space. Cannot be controlled: manmade radiation - electronic products: Radon breakdown of uranium contributes to half. Ionised radiation (blue) short wave length and high energy - harmful. Non-ionized radiation (yellow orange and red) low energy and long wavelength not harmful more of a concern because of new discoveries that found that they may cause significant human health impacts.
