Radiation Safety Practice Exam

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Study for the Radiation Safety Exam. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and confidently!

Practice this question and more.

Which radioactive isotope is used as a check source in RADIAC instruments?

Uranium-235
Plutonium-239
Thorium-232
Radium-226

The correct answer is: Thorium-232

The choice of Thorium-232 as the radioactive isotope used as a check source in RADIAC instruments is based on its properties and suitability for calibration and verification purposes in radiation detection devices. Thorium-232 is a naturally occurring isotope that is relatively stable and emits low-energy radiation, making it an appropriate choice for internal checks within these instruments. RADIAC instruments, which are used to measure and monitor radiation levels, require check sources that have predictable radiation outputs for accurate calibration. Thorium-232 has a long half-life, contributing to its reliability over time without significant decay variations, ensuring consistent performance for routine checks. It's important to utilize isotopes that emit radiation within the detectable range of the instrument, and Thorium-232 meets this requirement effectively. Its use as a check source assists in verifying the accuracy and functionality of RADIAC instruments, ensuring that they provide reliable measurements of radiation levels in the environment.