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GCSE Physics · key term
A radioactive gas released naturally from rocks and the ground that can enter buildings.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.4.3.1 · Paper 1
Revise: Background radiationA particularly important natural source is radon. This radioactive gas is released from rocks and the ground and can seep into buildings. If it accumulates indoors, people may inhale it and receive a radiation dose as it decays.
Specification 6.13 · Paper 1
A naturally occurring radioactive gas produced as uranium in rocks and soil decays.
Revise: Origins of Background RadiationA particularly important route is radon gas. It is produced in the decay of uranium in rocks and soil, then can move through the ground and into the air. Outdoors it usually disperses, but it can accumulate inside some buildings.
When asked why dose varies with location, name the source and give the mechanism: for example, some rocks release more radon, so people in those areas receive a greater dose.
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