Radiation hazards, Science

Assignment Help:

RADIATION HAZARDS : We are sure that you would have studied about electromagnetic radiation during your studies at the school. You would recall that in electromagnetic radiation, the electric and magnetic components oscillate in mutually perpendicular directions as well as to that of the direction of propagation, Figure It is characterised by parameters like wave length (A) which is the distance between two crests or troughs and frequency (v) which is the number of waves per second.

The energy of radiation is given by the formula:

C E = hv = h- ; h is Planck's constant and c is velocity of light.

The wavelength of a radiation can be as small as less than a picometre (10-I2m) or as high as a kilometer (km) or even more. As we see from the formula, the energy of radiation will decrease with increase in its wavelength. The hazardous nature of the radiation is manifested on its interaction with matter.

On the basis of interaction with matter, radiations may be divided into two broad groups - ionising and nonionising. The nonionising radiations cannot change the nature of atom, but can be highly hazardous. They include ultraviolet and infrared radiations, ultra sonics, light (e.g. from lasers) and microwaves. The ionising radiation changes the atomic structure of a substance and can be classified into three major types - alpha (a ), beta (β) and gamma (y). The International Ionising Radiation symbol is used to indicate the presence of intermittent or continuous ionising radiation, Figure. It is usually black, on a yellow background.

The energy of the radiations absorbed when these ionising rays pass through living organisms can cause immense damage. The radiations affect human beings in a number of ways. They can cause cancer, genetic mutations, skin reddening etc. Cells which divide, such as those which produce the red blood corpuscles are particularly susceptible. Effects on reproductive cells are cumulative and genetic damage may result. You must therefore exercise great care when using, storing or disposing of such materials.


Related Discussions:- Radiation hazards

Digetive, i need an assinment how do i find one

i need an assinment how do i find one

Geologic time, how so you find the numerical age and can you provide an exa...

how so you find the numerical age and can you provide an example?

To show how water rises by capillarity, To show how water rises by capillar...

To show how water rises by capillarity Colour some water in a shallow dish with ink and touch a blotter to the water surface. Observe how the water increases in the blotter.

Studying broken rocks with a magnifying glass, Studying broken rocks with a...

Studying broken rocks with a magnifying glass Study freshly broken rocks with a magnifying glass and try to find crystals of dissimilar minerals. The crystals of dissimilar mi

Scientist, who is the first scientist

who is the first scientist

Digital x-ray , Digital X-Ray, Inc., has introduced a new line of equipment...

Digital X-Ray, Inc., has introduced a new line of equipment that may revolutionize the medical profession.  Because of the new technology involved, potential users of the equipment

Soil Science, A soil with a large buffering capacity can be expected to hav...

A soil with a large buffering capacity can be expected to have: A. A tremendous amount of iron oxides B. Little ability to retain basic cations C. A high ability to retain cation

why does a glacier move, Why does a glacier move? It moves due to the...

Why does a glacier move? It moves due to the huge pressure of the ice and snow lowers the freezing point of its lower layers, causing by to melt.

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd