Radioactivity
- Page ID
- 1485
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Radioactivity is the ascribed to the emitting or relating to the emission of ionizing radiation or particles.
- Artificially Induced Radioactivity
- Radioactivity is the process by which the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays and conversion electrons Although radioactivity is observed as a natural occurring process, it can also be artificially induced typically via the bombarding atoms of a specific element by radiating particles, thus creating new atoms.
- Discovery of Radioactivity
- The discovery of radioactivity took place over several years beginning with the discovery of x-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen and continuing with such people as Henri Becquerel and the Curie family. The application of x-rays and radioactive materials is far reaching in medicine and industry.
- Nuclear Decay Pathways
- Nuclear reactions that transform atomic nuclei alter their identity and spontaneously emit radiation via processes of radioactive decay.
- Purifying Radioactive Materials
- The production of everyday used materials such as oil and gas results in the buildup of radioactive materials in high concentrations. As a result of the commonality of this occurrence, a solution has been presented as to rid the world of this toxic waste. Purifying these radioactive materials with the use of various methods allows the pure substance to be reused and prevents the depletion of resources.
- The Effects of Radiation on Matter
- All radioactive particles and waves, from the entire electromagnetic spectrum, to alpha, beta, and gamma particles, possess the ability to eject electrons from atoms and molecules to create ions.
- Transmutation of the Elements
- Although the conversion of one element to another is the basis of natural radioactive decay, it is also possible to convert one element to another experimentally. The conversion of one element to another is the process of transmutation.