Radioactivity meaning, in simple terms, is the continuous radiation of energy in the form of photons that results in a nuclear reaction.
Have you ever wondered why danger signs surround radioactive sites? Radioactive reactions can be quite explosive and have fatal repercussions to the human body.
Radioactivity was first discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1896. Later, Marie Curie studied the radiation of different compounds, and discovered that uranium and thorium are radioactive elements.
This guide teaches you more about the highly interesting corner of chemical reactions - radioactivity.
Since Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity, the SI unit of radioactivity is becquerel (Bq).
We hear about the concept of 'radiation' all the time, especially in medical terminology. Radiation occurs when an unstable, high-energy nucleus of an element releases some of that energy to get to a more stable state (similar to when you consume way too much sugar and need to work off all of that energy!). Radioactive decay is one of the ways this excess energy is expelled.
The rate of decay of a group of atoms can be anticipated by the half-lives or decay constants. Half life refers to the time taken by the radioactive sample to fall to half its original value.
There are mainly three types of radioactive decay that were discovered first. All these types were named after the ability to penetrate matter. Later additional types of decay were discovered. The types of radioactive decays are as follows:
Q. What is radioactivity caused by?
The radioactivity occurs due because the atoms remain in a very unstable state. The nucleus present in the atom remains in a very exciting stage. So, to attain stability, radioactivity occurs.
Q. How long does it take for radioactivity to disappear?
Some of the radioactive elements disappear within minutes or even hours, but some of their decay very slowly. Some of the elements like Strontium-90 have a half-life of 30 years.
Q. How can radioactivity be avoided?
To avoid radioactivity, you need to go far away or distance yourself far away from the source of the radioactivity. For shielding, you can consider barriers made with concrete or lead. It protects from gamma rays.
Q. What happens if you are exposed to radioactivity?
Exposure to very high levels of radiation can cause critical health effects like skin burns and radiation sickness. It can also have an outcome of long-term health effects such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
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