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Radioactivity Note

Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of energy or particles from unstable atomic nuclei, caused by an excess of protons or neutrons. It includes types of radiation such as alpha, beta, and gamma, each with varying penetration abilities and effects on the body. While radioactivity has applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, it poses dangers such as cell damage and genetic mutations, necessitating safety measures like protective clothing and controlled environments.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
3 views2 pages

Radioactivity Note

Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of energy or particles from unstable atomic nuclei, caused by an excess of protons or neutrons. It includes types of radiation such as alpha, beta, and gamma, each with varying penetration abilities and effects on the body. While radioactivity has applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, it poses dangers such as cell damage and genetic mutations, necessitating safety measures like protective clothing and controlled environments.

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RADIOACTIVITY

1. What is Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of energy or particles from the nucleus of an unstable

atom.

When atoms are unstable, they try to become stable by releasing energy.

2. Causes of Radioactivity

Some atoms have too many protons or neutrons. This makes their nucleus unstable.

To become stable, they release particles or energy - this is radioactivity.

3. Types of Radiation

Type | Symbol | Nature | Penetration | Effect on Body

------------|--------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------

Alpha (alpha) | alpha | 2 protons + 2 neutrons | Low - stopped by paper or skin |

Dangerous if inhaled or swallowed

Beta (beta) | beta | High-energy electron | Medium - stopped by plastic | Can

penetrate skin

Gamma (gamma) | gamma | Electromagnetic wave (energy) | High - stopped by lead/concrete |

Can cause deep tissue damage

4. Radioactive Decay

This is the process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

It happens naturally and cannot be controlled.

Example: Uranium-238 decays into Thorium-234 by emitting an alpha particle.


5. Half-Life

Half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

Example: If a substance has a half-life of 2 days, after 2 days, only half will remain.

After 4 days, only ¼ will remain, and so on.

6. Uses of Radioactivity

- Medicine: Cancer treatment (radiotherapy), X-rays

- Agriculture: Kill pests and preserve food

- Industry: Detect leaks, measure thickness of materials

- Archaeology: Carbon dating to find the age of fossils

7. Dangers of Radioactivity

- Can damage living cells and cause cancer

- Causes genetic mutations

- Waste is hard to dispose of safely

8. Safety Measures

- Use protective clothing and shields

- Work in controlled environments

- Properly store radioactive materials

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