I. What is a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)? A Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), also known as a “dirty bomb,” is a type of explosive device that combines conventional explosives with radioactive material. The purpose of an RDD is not to cause a nuclear explosion, but rather to spread radioactive material over a wide area. This … Read more
I. What is Radiological Protection? Radiological protection is the science and practice of protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that can penetrate the human body and cause damage to cells, tissues, and organs. It can come from natural sources, such as cosmic … Read more
I. What is Radiation Shielding? Radiation shielding is the process of using materials to protect individuals or objects from the harmful effects of radiation. Radiation can come in various forms, such as alpha, beta, gamma, or neutron radiation, and can be emitted from sources like nuclear reactors, X-ray machines, or radioactive materials. Shielding is essential … Read more
I. What is Radioactivity? Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This radiation can take the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. Atoms become radioactive when the forces that hold the nucleus together are not strong enough to overcome the repulsive forces between protons. This … Read more
I. What is Tritium? Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with the symbol H-3. It is a rare and valuable form of hydrogen that contains two neutrons and one proton in its nucleus. Tritium is produced naturally in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with air molecules, but it is also produced artificially … Read more
I. What is Nuclear Workforce Training? Nuclear workforce training refers to the specialized education and skills development programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in the nuclear industry. This training encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including nuclear engineering, radiation protection, nuclear physics, and nuclear medicine. The goal of nuclear workforce training is to ensure … Read more
I. What is Low-Level Waste (LLW)? Low-Level Waste (LLW) refers to radioactive waste that contains relatively low levels of radioactivity and poses minimal risk to public health and the environment. LLW is generated from a variety of sources, including nuclear power plants, research facilities, hospitals, and industrial processes. This type of waste typically includes items … Read more
I. What is Three Mile Island? Three Mile Island is the site of a nuclear power plant located in Pennsylvania, United States. The plant consists of two pressurized water reactors, known as TMI-1 and TMI-2. TMI-1 began operating in 1974, while TMI-2 started operating in 1978. The plant is owned and operated by Exelon Generation, … Read more
I. What is Nuclear Deterrence? Nuclear deterrence is a strategy used by countries to prevent other nations from attacking them by threatening to use nuclear weapons in response. The idea behind nuclear deterrence is that the fear of a devastating nuclear retaliation will dissuade potential aggressors from taking hostile actions. This strategy is based on … Read more
I. What is Nuclear Fission Product? Nuclear fission products are the radioactive byproducts that are formed when a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, is split into two or more smaller nuclei. These fission products are highly unstable and emit radiation as they decay into more stable isotopes over time. They can be … Read more
