Outline two common sources of radiation in laboratory.
1. Radioactive materials: Laboratories often work with radioactive materials for various purposes such as radiography, radiochemistry, or medical research. These materials emit radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or X-rays. Radioactive isotopes like uranium-235, plutonium-239, or cobalt-60 are commonly used in research and industrial applications.
2. X-ray machines: Many laboratories have X-ray diffraction machines or X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, which emit X-rays for analysis purposes. X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate materials and provide valuable information about their structure or chemical composition. However, improper use or handling of X-ray machines can lead to unnecessary exposure to radiation.