Ionising radiation
What Ionising radiation means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Ionising radiation
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Ionising radiation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Radiation for which alpha, beta and gamma types have different penetrating and ionising powers, and which is handled safely and measured using detectors.
Radiation such as X-rays, used by CT, giving a patient dose that must be justified against clinical benefit.
Topics that use Ionising radiation
- CT scanner (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Practical skills (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Accuracy and precision
- Amplitude
- Analogue measurement
- Apparatus selection
- Attenuation measurements along many paths
- Background radiation
- Circuit symbols and component recognition
- Computer modelling
Using Ionising radiation in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge