Generic Radiation Worker Training
Questions and Correct Answers|
UPDATED
The Basic Structure of an Atom
An atom consists of 3 parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Proton
Found in the Nucleus (center), has a Positive (+) charge
Neutron
Found in the Nucleus (center), has no charge
Electron
Orbit around nucleus, Negative (-) charge
Atoms
can be stable or unstable but like to be stable
,Radioactive Decay
when atoms release energy in the form of waves or particles to become stable.
Fissioned
when a larger atom is split into two or more smaller atoms.
4 Radiation Sources in a Nuclear Plant
Fuel and Reactor Operations
Reactor Coolant
Activated Corrosion Products
Plant Components
Fuel and Reactor Operations
1.) Fission creates radioactive "fission products" (such as radioactive iodine)
2.) Neutrons not absorbed atoms become a radiation hazard as long as the fission
process is occurring.
3.) When the reactor is shut down, and fission slows, neutron radiation is not a
problem.
Reactor Coolant
,1.) As reactor coolant passes through the reactor, it can become a source of
radiation during operations.
2.) Some of the chemicals used in the reactor coolant become radioactive and
may cause some radiation exposure for people near the pipes.
Activated Corrosion Products
1.) As Corrosion products are carried through the reactor by the coolant they
become activated (made radioactive).
2.)They settle in low spots in the RCS or get stuck around valves and other
components and become a source of radiation exposure
(RCS)
reactor coolant system
Plant Components
1.) Filters remove corrosion products from the RCS, can become highly radioactive
2.) Low flow areas (such as valves and instrument connections) are also likely
places for corrosion products to collect.
4 Types of Radiation
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Neutron
, 4 Characteristics of Radiation
*penetrating ability
*shielding methods
*exposure hazard (for example, whole-body, skin, eyes)
* major sources
Alpha
* Penetrating ability: least penetrating ability of the four types; travels
approximately one inch in the air.
*Shielded by: a piece of paper, lightweight clothing, or outer layer of skin.
* Type hazard: internal hazard - can result in high dose to sensitive organs.
* Major source: nuclear fuel.
* Primarily found in or near the fuel assemblies -the main hazard from alpha
radiation exists only if the fuel assembly develops leaks.
Beta
*Penetrating ability: travels a few feet in the air.
* Shielded by: lightweight plastic or aluminum.
*Type hazard: eyes and skin are most susceptible to beta radiation. It can be an
internal hazard.
Questions and Correct Answers|
UPDATED
The Basic Structure of an Atom
An atom consists of 3 parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Proton
Found in the Nucleus (center), has a Positive (+) charge
Neutron
Found in the Nucleus (center), has no charge
Electron
Orbit around nucleus, Negative (-) charge
Atoms
can be stable or unstable but like to be stable
,Radioactive Decay
when atoms release energy in the form of waves or particles to become stable.
Fissioned
when a larger atom is split into two or more smaller atoms.
4 Radiation Sources in a Nuclear Plant
Fuel and Reactor Operations
Reactor Coolant
Activated Corrosion Products
Plant Components
Fuel and Reactor Operations
1.) Fission creates radioactive "fission products" (such as radioactive iodine)
2.) Neutrons not absorbed atoms become a radiation hazard as long as the fission
process is occurring.
3.) When the reactor is shut down, and fission slows, neutron radiation is not a
problem.
Reactor Coolant
,1.) As reactor coolant passes through the reactor, it can become a source of
radiation during operations.
2.) Some of the chemicals used in the reactor coolant become radioactive and
may cause some radiation exposure for people near the pipes.
Activated Corrosion Products
1.) As Corrosion products are carried through the reactor by the coolant they
become activated (made radioactive).
2.)They settle in low spots in the RCS or get stuck around valves and other
components and become a source of radiation exposure
(RCS)
reactor coolant system
Plant Components
1.) Filters remove corrosion products from the RCS, can become highly radioactive
2.) Low flow areas (such as valves and instrument connections) are also likely
places for corrosion products to collect.
4 Types of Radiation
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Neutron
, 4 Characteristics of Radiation
*penetrating ability
*shielding methods
*exposure hazard (for example, whole-body, skin, eyes)
* major sources
Alpha
* Penetrating ability: least penetrating ability of the four types; travels
approximately one inch in the air.
*Shielded by: a piece of paper, lightweight clothing, or outer layer of skin.
* Type hazard: internal hazard - can result in high dose to sensitive organs.
* Major source: nuclear fuel.
* Primarily found in or near the fuel assemblies -the main hazard from alpha
radiation exists only if the fuel assembly develops leaks.
Beta
*Penetrating ability: travels a few feet in the air.
* Shielded by: lightweight plastic or aluminum.
*Type hazard: eyes and skin are most susceptible to beta radiation. It can be an
internal hazard.
