Chapter 20, Problem 29E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Radiation is an energy that is emitted from a source like sun, microwaves from oven etc.

Ionizing radiation has enough energy to ionize the matter. The effect of ionizing radiation depends on three things.

(1) The amount and the rate of ionizing radiation which an organism absorbed.

(2) The number of cells affected.

(3) The type of ionizing radiation which was absorbed.

The amount and the rate of ionizing radiation which an organism receives is a very important factor in determining its biological effect. Greater the amount of ionizing radiation and greater the number of times an organism is exposed.

There are three type of ionizing radiation which are ∞ – particle β – particle and γ – particle.

Concept introduction:

Factors on which the effect of ionizing radiation on the human body or any other living organism depends:

(1) The amount and the rate of ionizing radiation which an organism receives.

(2) The number of cells affected.

(3) The type of ionizing radiation which was absorbed.

The type of radiation which are absorbed by an organism is a factor in determining the biological effect of ionizing radiation on an organism.

∞ – Particle: it tends to travel very short distance and does not penetrate very deep into tissue at all.

β – Particle: it tends to penetrate further in a body so they tend to damage more cells.

γ – Particle: it deeply penetrates and can easily pass through the body.