5.2.5

Safety precautions

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)  · Unit 5: Nuclear physics  · 6 flashcards

Safety precautions is topic 5.2.5 in the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus , positioned in Unit 5 — Nuclear physics , alongside The atom, The nucleus and Detection of radioactivity.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).

The deck below contains 6 flashcards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.

What the Cambridge 0625 syllabus says

2026-2028 syllabus, in our words

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).

  1. State State how ionising nuclear radiation affects living things, including killing cells, causing mutations and causing cancer.
  2. Describe Describe safe ways to move, use and store radioactive materials.
  3. Explain Explain safety precautions for every type of ionising radiation: keep exposure time short, increase the distance between the source and living tissue, and use shielding to absorb the radiation. Supplement
Key Concept Flip

Explain how exposure to ionising nuclear radiation can lead to the development of cancer.

Answer Flip

Ionising radiation can damage DNA within cells. This damage can cause mutations. These mutations can disrupt the normal cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division, which is characteristic of cancer. It can also cause cell death but if the cell survives with the mutation and replicates then cancer can form.

Key Concept Flip

State three effects that exposure to ionising nuclear radiation can have on living organisms.

Answer Flip

1. Cell death
2. Mutations
3. Cancer

Key Concept Flip

Explain three safety precautions taken when moving radioactive materials.

Answer Flip

1. Use shielding: Radioactive materials are transported in containers made of lead or other thick, dense materials to absorb radiation. This reduces the exposure of people handling the materials.
2. Limit exposure time: The time spent near radioactive materials is minimized to reduce the overall radiation dose received.
3. Maintain distance: Radioactive materials are handled from a distance using tongs or remote-controlled equipment to increase the distance between the source and the handler, reducing radiation intensity.

Key Concept Flip

State two methods used for the safe storage of radioactive waste.

Answer Flip

1. Deep geological disposal: Radioactive waste is buried deep underground in stable rock formations to isolate it from the environment for long periods.
2. Interim storage in shielded containers: Radioactive waste is stored in specially designed, heavily shielded containers (often made of concrete and steel) in secure facilities while awaiting permanent disposal.

Key Concept Flip

Explain three safety precautions that can be taken when working with a radioactive source.

Answer Flip

1. Minimise Exposure Time: The shorter the time of exposure, the lower the dose received. Work quickly and efficiently.
2. Maximise Distance: The intensity of radiation decreases rapidly with distance (Inverse Square Law). Use tools (

Example: tongs) to handle sources from a safe distance.<br><strong>3. Use Shielding:</strong> Place absorbers (. lead, concrete) between the source and personnel. The type and thickness of shielding depends on the radiation type and energy.
Key Concept Flip

State three methods used to reduce the risk of harm from ionising radiation.

Answer Flip

1. Reducing exposure time: Limiting the time spent near a radioactive source reduces the overall dose received.
2. Increasing distance: Moving further away from a radioactive source reduces the intensity of radiation exposure, as intensity decreases with distance.
3. Using shielding: Placing a suitable absorbing material (

Example: lead) between the source and personnel absorbs some of the radiation, reducing the exposure.

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5.2.4 Half-life 6.1.1 The Earth

More topics in Unit 5 — Nuclear physics

Safety precautions sits alongside these Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

5.1.1 The atom

6 flashcards
5.1.2 The nucleus

16 flashcards
5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity

10 flashcards
5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission

8 flashcards
5.2.3 Radioactive decay

10 flashcards
5.2.4 Half-life

6 flashcards

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How to study this Safety precautions deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.