External contamination

Definition

Contamination on the surface of an object or the outside of the body.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 6.32 · Paper 1

A radioactive spill on the skin is external contamination. Breathing in radioactive dust or swallowing a radioactive substance causes internal contamination. Contamination can also spread if the material is carried on hands, clothing, air or surfaces.
Revise: Contamination vs Irradiation

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GCSE Physics · key term

Contamination on the surface of an object or the outside of the body.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 6.32 · Paper 1

A radioactive spill on the skin is external contamination. Breathing in radioactive dust or swallowing a radioactive substance causes internal contamination. Contamination can also spread if the material is carried on hands, clothing, air or surfaces.
Revise: Contamination vs Irradiation

Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.