P2 Topic 6: Benefits and drawbacks of using radioactive materials This topic looks at: The changing ideas of radioactivity What happens to nuclear waste Half-life Background Radiation Uses of radiation How did each of these scientists contribute to our understanding of radiation? Henri Becquerel: Marie Curie: Ernest Rutherford: What is the main cause of background radiation in the UK? Explain what half-life is: Fill in this table assuming there is a 10% decay every hour: Time from start (hours) 1 2 3 4 5 6 No. of unstable atoms 1000 900 477 No, of unstable atoms that decay in the next hour 0 - 1 100 1 - 2 90 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 5 - 6 48 Keywords: Hazard, risk, mutation, background radiation Method of disposal Problems Firing into space Dumping barrels in the sea Storage underground How is the radioactivity of a source measured? What does the term count rate mean? Keywords: Half-life, GM Tube, count rate, radioactive decay, nuclear power

P2 Topic 6: Benefits and drawbacks of using radioactive materials This topic looks at: The changing ideas of radioactivity What happens to nuclear waste Half-life Background Radiation Uses of radiation Explain how beta radiation can be used to detect the level of liquids contained within bottles. Define the term Irradiating Explain the difference between irradiated and radioactive What are the benefits and drawbacks of irradiating food? Benefits Drawbacks Keywords: Hazard, risk, mutation, background radiation How can gamma rays be used to help diagnose and treat cancer? Describe the uses of radioactivity in household smoke alarms Keywords: Half-life, GM Tube, count rate, radioactive decay, nuclear power