Radiation Safety Practice Exam

Which sources are included in background radiation?

1. Electricity and magnetism

2. Non-ionizing radiation

3. Natural and man-made sources

4. Chemical reactions

The correct answer is: Natural and man-made sources

Background radiation refers to the ionizing radiation present in the environment that originates from natural and man-made sources. Natural sources include cosmic radiation from outer space, terrestrial radiation from radioactive materials in the earth's crust, and internal radiation from radioactive isotopes within our own bodies. Man-made sources include medical procedures such as X-rays, as well as contributions from industrial activities. Each of these categories contributes to the overall background radiation that individuals are exposed to on a daily basis. This concept is crucial for understanding radiation safety, as it establishes a baseline level of radiation exposure that is considered normal and helps identify additional risks associated with higher levels of exposure. The other options, while related to the subject of radiation, do not encompass the comprehensive definition of background radiation. Electricity and magnetism do not directly contribute to background radiation, non-ionizing radiation pertains to a different spectrum that includes forms like radio waves and microwaves, and chemical reactions do not specifically relate to the origins of background radiation.