Answered

Ionising radiation is used to detect leaks in pipes that are buried just below
the ground. An unstable isotope is introduced to one end of the pipe and,
above the ground, a radiation detector is moved along the path of the pipe.
Explain how this method can be used to identify the location of a leak in the
pipe, and suggest what type of radiation the isotope should emit.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
To identify the location of a leak in a buried pipe using ionizing radiation, the following steps can be followed: 1. An unstable isotope is introduced to one end of the pipe. 2. The isotope emits radiation as it travels through the pipe. 3. A radiation detector is moved along the path of the pipe above the ground. 4. When the radiation detector passes over the area where there is a leak, the emitted radiation will escape through the leak. 5. The detector will register a higher level of radiation at the point of the leak compared to other areas of the pipe. 6. By analyzing the data collected by the detector, the exact location of the leak can be identified. For this method, the isotope used should emit a type of radiation that can easily penetrate the material of the pipe and be detected above the ground. Gamma radiation is commonly used in such applications due to its high penetrating power and ability to be detected accurately by radiation detectors.

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