AQA GCSE Studies on the effects of radiation on humans
Studies on the effects of radiation on humans
Scientists carry out studies to investigate the effects of radiation on humans for several reasons:
1. Understand the hazards associated with radiation
2.Understand possible medical uses of radiation
As a result of their investigations, they will collect and process data. This data along with the rest of their investigation will be published.
However, the investigation needs to be peer reviewed. This is where other scientists carry out the same experiments to ensure that the results are reproducible. If similar results are obtained, when the experiment is repeated, the data is reliable.
There are several factors we need to consider with investigations:
1. Reliability
2.Accuracy
3.Precision
Reliable data
If the experiment is repeated and you obtain the same results several times, then the data is reliable
Accurate
Being accurate means being close to the true value, not just repeating the experiment several times.
If the experiment is carried out incorrectly multiple times, then the data obtained would be reliable, but not accurate.
Precise
If the data values are close together and similar, then the data is precise.
Again, data can be precise, but not accurate.
If you roll a bowling ball at skittles and consistently knock the skittles out on the left, then you are precise
If the ball consistently knocks all of the skittles down, then you are both precise and accurate.
Practice Questions
1.Explain what is meant by peer review
2. Why is peer review important
3. Define the terms reliable, accurate and precise
Absorption and Emission of EM Radiation
JJ Thomson and Plum pudding model
Ernest Rutherford and the Nuclear Model
Niels Bohr changing the Nuclear Model
Discovering the Proton and Neutron
Measuring radiation from radioactivity
Radiation types and properties
Random nature of radioactive decay
Radioactive contamination or irradiation
Hazards of contamination and irradiation
Studies on the effects of radiation on humans
Different half lives of radioactive isotopes
Nuclear Fission Chain Reaction
Writing nuclear fission equations