If a radioactive liquid splashes onto a technician's arm, how is this situation best described?

In the scenario where a radioactive liquid splashes onto a technician's arm, the most appropriate description of the situation is contamination. Contamination refers to the presence of radioactive material on a surface or human body, which can pose a risk due to the potential for radiation exposure. When the radioactive liquid contacts the skin, it adheres to the surface, thereby contaminating that area with radioactive particles.

To differentiate this from other terms, exposure typically refers to the condition of being subjected to radiation without necessarily having radioactive materials in contact with the body. An injury would imply physical damage or harm to the tissue, which is not the primary concern in this scenario. Infection would relate to the invasion of pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, and does not apply to the context of radioactive materials. Thus, recognizing that the radioactive liquid has created a situation where the skin is contaminated is crucial for determining the appropriate response and decontamination procedures.