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2: Ionizing Radiation and Units of Measurement

  • Page ID
    153917
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    Learning Objectives

    ANSI/ASNT – CP-105- 2016 Section 1 & 2

    Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to define, understand and apply the following:

    • Ionizing Radiation
    • Alpha, Beta, Gamma Review
      • Isotope vs. Radioisotope
    • ALARA
    • Time, Distance, Shielding
    • Radiation Intensity & Units
    • Basic Atomic Theory
      • Elements & Atoms
      • Molecules & compounds
      • Atomic Particles, number, weight, structure

    Learning Activities

    • Lecture and discussion
    • PowerPoint of Basic Atomic Theory
    • Radiation Safety Article Review #1
    • Radiation Safety Article Review #2
    • Flash-Cards

    Learning Resources

    • Units of measurement handout
    • Glossary

    Evaluation

    • Article Reviews

    • 2.1: Ionization Defined
      This page discusses ionizing radiation, defined as radiation with sufficient energy to ionize atoms, including gamma rays and X-rays. It contrasts with non-ionizing radiation, such as visible light. Sources of ionizing radiation include cosmic rays and artificial devices like X-ray tubes. Although imperceptible to humans, it can be detected with instruments like Geiger counters.
    • 2.2: ALARA
      This page discusses the ALARA principle, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable," stemming from NRC regulations. It underscores the importance of minimizing ionizing radiation exposure while achieving the goals of licensed activities, highlighting a commitment to safety for both radiation workers and the public. Practical limits and rigorous protective measures are necessary to safeguard against harmful radiation.
    • 2.3: Time, Distance, and Shielding
      This page emphasizes the significance of Time, Distance, and Shielding in radiation safety, especially in industrial radiography. It outlines three primary strategies: minimizing exposure time, maximizing distance from radiation sources, and employing adequate shielding materials. These methods are vital for protecting workers and the public while adhering to ALARA principles, which aim to reduce radiation exposure to the lowest possible levels.
    • 2.4: Radiation Units
      This page explains units of ionizing radiation measurement, including Roentgen (R) and Milli-Roentgen (mR), with safe exposure rates of 2 mR/hr for the public and 5 mR/hr for radiographers. It introduces the Sievert (SI) for radiation dose, equating 1 Sievert to 100 REM, and covers radioactive activity through Curie (Ci) and Becquerel (Bq), as well as concepts of specific activity and radioactive half-life.
    • 2.5: Article Review #1
      This page covers radiation sickness, defining key terms such as ionizing radiation, alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. It explains that ionizing radiation can damage cells by removing electrons, while alpha particles are harmful if ingested or inhaled. Beta particles can penetrate human tissue, increasing exposure risk, and gamma rays can penetrate various materials, posing significant dangers at high doses.
    • 2.6: Article Review #2; Why so many units?
      This page discusses the various units for measuring radiation—REM, RAD, Roentgen, Curie, Becquerel, and Sieverts—each focusing on different aspects like exposure, dose, and biological effects. While these units are essential for assessing radiation's impact on health and safety, their diversity can confuse the public and those needing to understand radiation risks.
    • 2.7: Flash Cards
      This page outlines a learning objective for students to create flashcards based on the Radiation Safety Lecture. It highlights the importance of reading, writing, and synthesizing information to improve memorization of key concepts. Students must include vocabulary terms and definitions on the flashcards, along with a review or test question sourced from lecture materials. Completed flashcards are to be presented for credit, with a reminder that some questions may be featured on the unit quiz.
    • 2.8: Unit #2 Glossary of Terms


    This page titled 2: Ionizing Radiation and Units of Measurement is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jason S. Ballard via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.