CAIE IGCSE Physics Ionising Radiation Safety Precautions

Practise selecting and explaining radiation precautions through shorter exposure, greater distance and suitable shielding for laboratories and medical work.

Exam points

reduce exposure time because absorbed dose increases with the duration spent near a source
increase distance using tongs or remote handling so less radiation reaches living tissue
place lead, thick concrete or another suitable absorber between the source and workers

[Maximum number: 2]

Strontium-90 $\left({ }_{38}^{90} \mathrm{Sr}\right)$ is a radioactive isotope that contains 38 protons and 52 neutrons. Strontium-90 decays to form an isotope of yttrium (Y) by emitting beta ( $\beta$ ) particles.

Explain why scientists limit the amount of time they are exposed to radioactive strontium.

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5.2.5.3—Safety precautions for all ionising question 1