Chapter 20, Problem 42R

To determine

To explain: The change in exposure of cosmic rays when a person goes skydiving.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The background radiation is in which humans have been bathed in radiation for millions of years. It includes radiation from universe (cosmic radiations), rocks and soils.

Cosmic rays are high-speed particles come on earth from outer universe. It is found everywhere in the universe. Most of the cosmic radiation stopped by the earth’s atmosphere to reach on earth’s surface. There is not much exposure of cosmic rays on earth’s surface. Hence, when a person goes for skydiving, it is exposed to more amount of cosmic radiation because there is not enough atmosphere to protect it from cosmic radiation coming from the space as compared to person on the earth’s surface.

Conclusion:

Thus, when a person goes for skydiving, it is exposed to more amount of cosmic radiation.