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Question

What are nuclear radiations? Name any two sources of nuclear radiations. What will happen, if human body is exposed to nuclear radiation?


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Solution

Nuclear radiations: Radiations emitted from nuclear materials in the form of high-speed charged particles and electromagnetic waves are called nuclear radiations. Radiations are emitted from various sources, including natural and artificial. All living creatures are continually exposed to a certain level of radiation through rocks, sunlight, and cosmic rays, which are all harmful to their health.

Two main types of nuclear radiation are:

a) Cosmic radiation: The majority of cosmic rays are protons. However, they can also be other particles or wave energy. Some ionizing radiations may permeate the Earth's atmosphere and be absorbed by people, resulting in natural radiation exposure for anyone living on the planet.

b) Terrestrial radiation: The structure of the Earth's crust contributes significantly to the production of natural radiation. Geological deposits of uranium, potassium, and thorium are the primary sources of ionizing radiation, with modest quantities of ionizing radiation released through the natural decay process of these elements.

Explanation: If a human body is exposed to nuclear radiation, it can cause acute health consequences. Acute radiation syndrome (also known as radiation sickness) may occur after being exposed to very high quantities of radiation. If not treated properly, it may also result in long-term health consequences, such as heart diseases and cancer.


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