Question
What (with reference to radioactivity) is meant by the word CONTAMINATION? [NONE of these] The RADIATION of the material causing damage to living cells DIRECTLY The negative impact of ACQUIRING nuclear material for the PRODUCTION of useful missile material The UNWANTED presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on OTHER materials
Answer
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Maisie
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
Contamination, in the context of radioactivity, refers to the unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials.
Explanation
## Step 1:The question asks for the meaning of the term 'contamination' in the context of radioactivity. This term is used in nuclear physics and related fields to describe a specific situation. ## Step 2:To understand this term, we can refer to scientific literature and textbooks on nuclear physics. In this context, 'contamination' refers to the unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials. ## Step 3:This means that when a material that does not naturally contain radioactive atoms comes into contact with a material that does, the former can become 'contaminated'. This contamination can pose risks due to the radioactive decay of the contaminating atoms, which can release harmful radiation.