S.E. International Inspector EXP Specifications download pdf (Page 25)

Background Radiaon

Naturally occurring radiaon is always present, it includes high energy gamma rays and parcles from the sun

and outer space and alpha, beta, and gamma radiaon emied from elements in the earth.

CPM (counts per minute)

The unit of measurement usually used to measure alpha and beta radiaon.

Ion

An atomic parcle, atom, or molecule that has acquired an electrical charge, either posive or negave, by

gaining or losing electrons.

Ionizaon

The process by which neutral atoms of molecules are divided into pairs of oppositely charged parcles known

as ions.

Ionizing Radiaon

Radiaon capable of producing ionizaon by breaking up atoms or molecules into charged parcles called ions.

Radiaon

The emission and propagaon of energy through space or through maer in the form of parcles or waves.

Radionuclide

The naturally occurring or arcially produced radioacve form of an element.

Decay

When an atom emits an alpha or beta parcle or a gamma ray, it becomes a dierent type of atom. Radioacve

substances may go through several stages of decay before they change into a stable, or non-ionizing, form. For

example; U-238 has 14 dierent stages of decay before it stabilizes. An element may have several forms, or

isotopes. A radioacve isotope of an element may be called a radioisotope. However, the more correct term is

radionuclide.

Half-life

Each radionuclide has a characterisc half-life, which is the me required for half of a quanty of the material

to decay.

Chapter 12: Glossary of Common Terms

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S.E. International Inspector EXP Specifications Page 25