Talha's Physics Academy
Sources of Background Radiations and Artificial Radiations
Background and Natural Radiations
"Natural radiations that come from our surroundings, including soil, rocks, air, building materials, food, drinks, and space, are called background radiations."
We are constantly surrounded by the atmosphere on Earth, where a low level of background radiation persists due to radioactive elements present in our environment. Radioactive emissions occur randomly over space and time.
Key Sources of Natural Background Radiation
- Terrestrial and Radon Gas: In many areas, over half of background radiation originates from radioactive radon ($_{86}^{222}\text{Rn}$) gas seeping from rocks, soil, and specific types of granite construction materials.
- Cosmic Radiations: Planet Earth is continuously exposed to high-energy radiation from outer space known as cosmic rays, consisting of electrons, protons, alpha particles, and larger nuclei. When cosmic radiation interacts with atoms in the upper atmosphere, it produces a secondary shower of radiation, including X-rays, muons, protons, alpha particles, electrons, and neutrons.
Artificial (Man-Made) Radiations
In addition to natural background sources, humans receive exposure to man-made or manufactured radiation from various technological and industrial applications:
- Medical Diagnostics and Treatment: Diagnostic X-rays, radiotracers used to detect diseases, and targeted cancer therapy.
- Nuclear Fallout and Power: Fallout debris from historical nuclear explosives testing, alongside small amounts of radioactive materials released into the surrounding environment from coal-fired and nuclear power plants.
Fig: Breakdown of natural background sources (cosmic rays, radon gas, terrestrial rocks) and artificial radiation sources.
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