Radioactivity
Radioactivity
Radioactivity
Alpha (α) and beta (β) particles are emitted and the gamma rays
The nucleus
- Both protons and neutrons have the same mass. The weight of an
electron is relatively small compared to neutrons and protons. The number
of an atom.
- The sum of both the protons and neutrons is called the mass number
. Therefore:
A = Z + N and N = A - Z.
units (u) where (u) is 1/12th the mass of one atom of carbon-12 and has a
- Hence the mass of one proton is equal to 1.67 × 10-27 and is equal to 1u.
Radioactive isotopes
charge of +2.
Properties
1. Their speeds are 1.67 × 107 m/s, which is 10% the speed of light.
of an electron.
matter.
Properties
3. Due to their high speed they have a higher penetrative rate than
alpha particles.
They have very short wavelengths in the order of 10-10 m and below.
Properties
2. They have less ionization power than that of both alpha and beta
particles
4. They carry no electric charge hence they are not deflected by both
- The rate of collapse of the leaf depends on the nature and intensity of
radiation.
- To detect both alpha and beta particles a charged electroscope may not
due to the inadequacy of the ionization by both beta and gamma radiations.
By putting the source away from the gauze or placing a sheet of paper
between the two one can determine the range and penetration of the alpha
particles.
3. Geiger Muller (GM) Tube
- The mica window allows passage of alpha, beta and gamma radiations.
- The radiations ionize the gas inside the tube. The electrons move to the
- As the ions are produced there are collisions which produce small
currents which are in turn amplified and passed to the scale. The scale
- After each pulse the gas returns to normal ready for the next particle to
enter.
This detector can be used to detect alpha, beta and gamma radiations
where the incoming radiation hits a reverse biased p-n junction diode
- The bottom of the chamber is cooled by solid carbon (V) oxide to around -
80° C and the alcohol vapour from the felt ring spreads downwards.
the chamber it ionizes the air in its path and alcohol condenses around the
path to form millions of tiny alcohol droplets leaving a trail visible because it
- Alpha particles leave a thick, short straight tracks. Beta particles leave
thin irregular tracks.
- Gamma particles do not produce tracks and since they eject electrons
Alpha decay
units and its proton number by 2. The equation can be written as follows:
Example
transmutation.
Beta decay
- The beta particle is an electron.
an electron as shown:
- The electron is then ejected from the nucleus and the number of protons
increases by 1 while the mass number remains the same (an electron is of
negligible mass).
Examples
particle as shown.
Other examples
- This process generates large amounts of energy together with neutron emission.
- Nearly 80% of the energy produced appears as kinetic energy of the fission
fragments.
- For example Uranium-235 undergoes nuclear fission when bombarded with slow
neutrons releasing 2-3 neutrons per Uranium molecule and every neutron released
- Substances which undergo fission directly with slow neutrons are known as fissile
substances or isotopes.
in nuclear reactors.
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is the thermal combining of light elements to form relatively heavier
nuclei.
The process requires very high temperatures for the reacting nuclei to combine upon
collision.
A fusion reaction releases energy at the rate of 3-23 MeV per fusion event i.e. two
bomb include:
Applications of radioactivity
1. Carbon dating
archaeologists can be able to estimate the ages of early life through carbon
dating.
2. Medicine
- Insects are sterilized through radiation to prevent the spread of pests and
diseases.
perishing.
4. Industry
5. Energy Source
- In North America, Europe and Russia nuclear reactors are used to
generate electricity.