An interplanetary probe's electronic modules are sterilized prior to launch using high-energy electron beams to eliminate microbial life.
In contrast, during a surface-sampling mission on an asteroid, fine dust containing alpha-emitting isotopes becomes lodged in the joints of the probe's robotic arm.
State two distinct differences between the irradiation experienced by the electronic modules and the radioactive contamination of the robotic arm.
94 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 6.5 Uses and dangers of radioactivity, covering 6.5.1 Uses of radioactivity, 6.5.2 Dangers of ionising radiation and precautions, 6.5.3 Half-life and radiation dangers, 6.5.4 Safety precautions for radiation exposure, and 6.5.5 Contamination and irradiation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.