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Background radiation and risk

Free AQA GCSE Physics practice questions on Background radiation and risk. Sample questions below with detailed mark schemes — sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.

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Show — 4 marks

A hospital radiology department uses CT scanners to diagnose patient conditions. The annual background radiation dose received by staff working in the department is 3.5 mSv, compared to the UK average of 2.7 mSv. The department manager is concerned about the increased risk to staff and is considering additional shielding measures.

  1. Show that the additional annual dose received by the radiology staff, above the UK average background radiation, is 0.8 mSv. [1 mark]
  2. Explain why background radiation cannot be completely eliminated for workers in a hospital radiology department, even with additional shielding. [2 marks]
  3. The hospital introduces a lead-lined apron that reduces the additional dose by 60%. Evaluate whether this shielding measure alone is sufficient to reduce the radiology staff's dose to the UK average background radiation level. Show your working. [1 mark]
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Describe — 4 marks

A hospital physicist is reviewing radiation safety protocols for staff working in the radiology department. The department receives regular reports on annual radiation dose exposure, which includes both occupational exposure and background radiation received by all workers.

  1. Describe what is meant by background radiation. [1 mark]
  2. Describe two natural sources of background radiation that contribute to the dose received by the hospital staff. [2 marks]
  3. Describe how background radiation poses a risk to human health, even though exposure levels are generally low. [1 mark]
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Define — 4 marks

A hospital radiography department monitors radiation exposure for staff members throughout the year. The department records both the radiation received from medical imaging procedures they perform and the natural radiation present in the building and surroundings.

  1. Define background radiation. [1 mark]
  2. State two natural sources of background radiation that contribute to the radiation dose received by hospital staff in this department. [2 marks]
  3. Explain why background radiation is considered a risk factor that cannot be eliminated, despite the hospital's safety protocols. [1 mark]
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