Explain the different sources of background radiation

Some of these sources are man made although the main source is from the environment. Radon gas from rocks and cosmic rays from the sun are the main enviromental sources. For man made sources, the main source is from medical applications - lots of cancer treatments use radiactive material. Some food even contributes to background radiation (although don't worry it's nowhere near in quantities enough to be harmful).

JC
Answered by Jackson C. Physics tutor

1978 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is a PET scanner able to locate a tumour in the patient's body?


How do diodes work?


Describe how the forces change on a parachutist while they fall.


What's the difference between weight and mass and how do I find one from the other?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning