When food is irradiated with gamma rays from a cobalt-60 source, does the food become radioactive? Why?

A. No. The gamma rays do not have sufficient energy to initiate the nuclear reaction in the atoms of the food.
B. Yes and No. Although the gamma rays initiate the nuclear reaction, the radioactivity does not show up until the food is ingested.
C. Yes. This is why irradiation with cobalt-60 is no longer approved by the FDA.
D. Yes. However, the radioactivity resulting is well below the danger level established by the FDA.


Answer: A

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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