Chapter 16, Problem 5RQ

What do flying in a commercial airliner and a visit to the doctor’s office have in common?

To determine

The common thing between the flying in a commercial airliner and a visit to the doctor’s office.

Answer to Problem 5RQ

The high level of radiation is a common thing between the flying in a commercial airliner and a visit to the doctor’s office.

Explanation of Solution

The gamma rays are the product of radioactive emissions of unstable elements. It is a high-frequency electromagnetic wave that contains the energy higher than visible light. It travels in a straight line with the speed light, and it has the power to penetrate most of the materials.

However, the penetration of significantly denser materials like lead is quite challenging for gamma rays. Lead is a heavy metal and denser as compared to the other common materials. In flying airlines and the hospitals, the radiation level remains high. So the lead can be used as the shielding material.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the high level of radiation is a common thing in between the flying in a commercial airline and a visit to the doctor’s office.