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5 (a) Radioactivity is used in PET scanners in hospitals - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 (a) Radioactivity is used in PET scanners in hospitals. (i) Describe one use of PET scanners in hospitals. (ii) State two precautions that hospital staff should ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) Radioactivity is used in PET scanners in hospitals - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one use of PET scanners in hospitals.
Answer
PET scanners are primarily used for diagnosing and locating tumors within the body. By injecting a radioactive tracer, PET scans can identify regions of increased metabolic activity, which may indicate the presence of cancerous cells. This helps doctors in assessing the stage of cancer and deciding on appropriate treatment plans.
Step 2
State two precautions that hospital staff should take when working with radioactivity.
Answer
- Short half-life isotopes: Staff should utilize radioisotopes with a short half-life to minimize exposure time and reduce radiation risk.
- Shielding: Use lead shielding and protective clothing to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation while working with radioactive materials.