Chapter 19, Problem 47A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Difference between somatic and gentic damage has to be explained and also among both which causes immediate damage has to be stated.

Concept introduction: In a nuclear reaction, unstable nuclide disintegrates into stable nuclide with emission of various radiations spontaneously. It is called radioactivity of nucleus. These reactions are of 2 types: fission and fusion. Fission is process in which heavy nuclides disintegrate into lighter and stable ones. When 2 lighter nucleus come together to create a heavy nuclide, it is called as fusion.

Answer to Problem 47A

Those damages whose effect are observed immediately after exposure to radiation is called somatic damage. Those damages which are less apparent and take time to show are genetic damage.

Explanation of Solution

Damage caused through radiation is catogrized under two names: first is somatic damage, second is genetic damage.

Those damages whose effect are observed immediately after exposure to radiation is called somatic damage. Such as any sickness or death by exposure.

Genetic damages are those which are less apparent immediately but seen after long years. It can be in form of cancer like disease or genetic mutation. Genetic damage can affect reproductive cells and genetically distorted offspring are the result.

Conclusion

Those damages whose effect are observed immediately after exposure to radiation is called somatic damage. Those damages which are less apparent and take time to show are genetic damage.