ATOMS AND RADIOACTIVITY
2 marks · EasyDescribe one safety precaution you should take when handling radioactive sources in a school laboratory.
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Handle sources with tongs or tweezers and keep them away from the body.
Also accept: Minimise time spent near source; Use shielding (e.g. store in lead container); Do not point sources towards people
Common mistakes: Do not touch with bare hands; Wear normal gloves
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States a valid safety precaution (e.g., use tongs/tweezers, keep away from the body, use shielding, minimise time).
B1 · 1 mark · Shows understanding of why (e.g., reduces dose of radiation to person, increases distance).
Worked solution
You should use tongs or tweezers to handle radioactive sources, keeping them at a distance from your body to reduce your exposure to radiation.