Table 1-4 Gamma Rays/X-Rays

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Module 1: Radiological Fundamentals

Instructor's Notes

Table 1-4

Gamma Rays/X-Rays

No mass.

Physical

No charge.

Characteristic

Electromagnetic wave or photon.

Similar (difference is the place of origin).

Range in air is very far.

It will easily go several hundred feet.

Range

Very high penetrating power since it has no

mass and no charge.

Concrete.

Water.

Shielding

Lead.

Whole body exposure.

The hazard may be external and/or internal.

Biological

This depends on whether the source is inside

Hazard

or outside the body.

Insert facility-specific information.

Sources

4. Neutrons

EO6 Identify the four basic

types of ionizing radiation

Physical characteristics

and the following for each

type:

1) Neutron radiation consists of neutrons that are ejected

a. Physical characteristics

from the nucleus.

b. Range

c. Shielding

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

d. Biological hazards

e. Sources

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.