Radioactivity

## Radioactivity

[edit | edit source]

The nuclei of some atoms spontaneously disintegrate from one form of isotope to another until they reach a stable form. These atoms emit particles (alpha & beta) & photons (gamma rays) which are different in charge, size, penetrating power and ionization energy.

## Half life of the isotope

[edit | edit source]

The half - life of an isotope is the time needed to decay until half of it's mass remains. Here is an example. 50 grams of the radioactive isotope Carbon 14 with a half-life of 5,730 years after 5,730 years, 25 grams will remain. After another 5,730 years only 12.5 grams will remain and so on. When a radioactive isotope completely decays into a daughter isotope, it may decay into another isotope, or remain the same, depending on whether it is stable or radioactive.

## Types of decay

[edit | edit source]

There are three main types of radioactive decay; these include Alpha, Beta, & Gamma Radiation. Alpha and Beta decay are released in particles, while Gamma radiation is released in rays.[1]

Gamma radiation is more penetrating than alpha & beta. An alpha particle can be stopped by a thin piece of paper and a beta particle can be stopped by a sheet of aluminium foil Gamma radiation can penetrate both with ease. The most efficient way to stop gamma rays is with and apron of lead (hence the wearing of a lead covering when you get a dental X-Ray).

Alpha particles are completely stopped by a sheet of paper, beta particles by an aluminum plate. Gamma rays however, can only be reduced by much more substantial obstacles, such as a very thick piece of lead.

Here are some common radiation emitters:

* Alpha

Americium-241

Radon

* Beta

Strontium-90

* Gamma

Uranium-238

## References

[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ Though, because of the wave-particle duality of Quantum mechanics, gamma rays can also be thought of as particles.

## Example of alpha decay

[edit | edit source]

* 88 226 R a {\displaystyle {}_{88}^{226}Ra}
* 86 222 R n {\displaystyle {}_{86}^{222}Rn}
* 2 4 H e {\displaystyle {}_{2}^{4}He}

## See also

[edit | edit source]

* Atomic Structure
* Age of the Earth \- practical application of radioactive decay

## Additional resources

[edit | edit source]

* w: Isotope lists, 97+