Table 1-4 Gamma Rays/X-Rays

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Sources

(Insert facility-specific information.)

Table 1-4

Gamma Rays/X-Rays

No mass.

No charge.

Electromagnetic wave or photon.

Physical

Similar (difference is the place of origin).

Characteristics

Range in air is very far.

It will easily go several hundred feet.

Very high penetrating power since it has no

mass and no charge.

Range

Concrete.

Water.

Lead.

Shielding

Whole body exposure.

The hazard may be external and/or internal.

This depends on whether the source is

Biological

inside or outside the body.

Hazard

Insert facility-specific information.

Sources

4. Neutrons

Physical characteristics

1) Neutron radiation consists of neutrons that are ejected from the nucleus.

2) A neutron has mass, but no electrical charge.

3) An interaction can occur as the result of a collision between a neutron and a nucleus.

The nucleus recoils due to the energy imparted by the neutron and ionizes other atoms.

This is called "secondary ionization."

4) Neutrons may also be absorbed by a nucleus. This is called neutron activation. A

charged particle or gamma ray may be emitted as a result of this interaction. The

emitted radiation can cause ionization in other atoms.

b. Range

1) Because of the lack of a charge, neutrons have a relatively high penetrating ability and

are difficult to stop.