Classify the following software according to whether it is likely to be custom,g
ID: 3528804 • Letter: C
Question
Classify the following software according to whether it is likely to be custom,generic or embedded (or some combination); and whether it is data processing or real-time. (a) A system to control the reaction rate in a nuclear reactor. (b) A program that runs inside badges worn by nuclear plant workers that monitors radiation exposure. (c) A program used by administrative assistants at the nuclear plant to write letters. (d) A system that logs all activities of the reactor and its employees so that investigators can later uncover the cause of any accident. (e) A program used to generate annual summaries of the radiation exposure experienced by workers. (f) An educational web site containing a Flash animation describing how the nuclear plant works.Explanation / Answer
Radiation is energy in the process of being transmitted, which may take such forms as light, or tiny particles much too small to see. Visible light, the ultra-violet light we receive from the sun and from sun-beds, and transmission signals for TV and radio communications are all forms of radiation that are common in our daily lives. These are all referred to as 'non-ionizing' radiation. Radiation particularly associated with nuclear medicine and the use of nuclear energy, along with X-rays, is 'ionizing' radiation, which means that the radiation has sufficient energy to interact with matter, especially the human body, and produce ions, i.e. it can eject an electron from an atom. X-rays from a high-voltage discharge were discovered in 1895, and radioactivity from the decay of particular isotopes was discovered in 1896. Many scientists then undertook study of these, and especially their medical applications. This led to the identification of different kinds of radiation from the decay of atomic nuclei, and understanding of the nature of the atom. Neutrons were identified in 1932, and in 1939 atomic fission was discovered by irradiating uranium with neutrons, and this led on to harnessing the energy released by fission. Types of radiation Nuclear radiation arises from hundreds of different kinds of unstable atoms. While many exist in nature, the majority are created in nuclear reactionsa. Ionizing radiation which can damage living tissue is emitted as the unstable atoms (radionuclides) change ('decay') spontaneously to become different kinds of atoms. The principal kinds of ionizing radiation are: Alpha particles These are helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons and are emitted from naturally-occurring heavy elements such as uranium and radium, as well as from some man-made transuranic elements. They are intensely ionizing but cannot penetrate the skin, so are dangerous only if emitted inside the body. Beta particles These are fast-moving electrons emitted by many radioactive elements. They are more penetrating than alpha particles, but easily shielded