Cardiac Pacemakers Once Used Plutonium-238 as a Power Source

question 30

Multiple Choice

Cardiac pacemakers once used plutonium-238 as a power source. Plutonium-238 decays by the emission of gamma rays and alpha particles. This emission is not particularly harmful because __________.

• A) gamma rays are not absorbed very strongly by biological tissue, and alpha particles do not penetrate beyond the container.
• B) gamma rays and alpha particles are the least dangerous form of radiation.
• C) gamma rays and alpha particles do not penetrate beyond the container.
• D) gamma rays are absorbed by the container, and alpha particles do not affect biological tissue.

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Definitions:

Spike

A sudden surge in hydraulic pressure or electrical voltage. Also a slang term meaning the tractor steering column mounted, trailer service brake valve.

Tractor Protection Valve (TP)

A safety device on tractor-trailer combinations that protects the air brake system from losing air pressure in the event of a trailer breakaway or leak.

Pneumatic Circuits

Systems designed to use compressed air to power moving parts and machinery, using valves, tanks, and pipelines to control the flow and pressure.