1.Radiation and Radioactivity

First, let's learn what radiation and radioactivity are all about.

What is the difference between radiation and radioactivity?

Let me explain the relationship between radiation and radioactivity by comparing it to a bonfire.

Radiation and Radioactivity

Let's compare radiation and radioactivity to a campfire.

Degree of human impact

Sievert (Sv)

Amount of radioactive material

Becquerel (Bq)

Wood = Radioactive material

Ability to emit radiation

Fire = Radioactive

Heat = Radiation

The wood is the radioactive material, and the number of pieces of wood is the amount of radioactive material in units of becquerels (Bq).

The heat emitted from a bonfire is radiation, expressed in sievert (Sv).

In this analogy, fire is radioactive because of its ability to generate heat.

Just as more firewood makes a fire stronger, more radioactive material produces a lot of radiation.

Becquerel (Bq) and Sievert (Sv) are the units that are essential to know about radiation and radioactivity.

I see what you mean!

If you get too close to a bonfire, the heat will burn you.

This is the effect of heat on the body.
The body will be affected in the same way from radiation, which is called radiation exposure.

Can I avoid radiation exposure if I stay away from radioactive materials?

For more information, see "5. Radiation around you".

Radioactive material

A material that has the ability to emit radiation

Radioactivity

The ability to emit radiation

Radiation

Particles and electromagnetic waves emitted by radioactive materials.