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On the water: the physics of capsizing

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Radioactive waste

Our radioactive environment

Our bodies contain some common radioactive elements whose radiation can damage living tissue. Derek Jacobs discusses some origins of this radiation and why we cannot avoid it

The terms in bold link to topics in the AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and CCEA A-level specifications, as well as the IB, Pre-U and SQA exam specifications.

Ionising radiation is emitted by radioactive isotopes, while cosmic radiation causes some elements to become radioactive. Radioactive elements have different half-lives, which determine their abundances and activities. Radiation doses depend on the activity and type of radiation involved.

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Previous

On the water: the physics of capsizing

Next

Radioactive waste

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