![]() ![]() The nuclear chain reaction is an example of nuclear fission, where a neutron being ejected from one fissioned atom causes another atom to fission, ejecting more neutrons. Neutron radiation: Neutron radiation occurs when neutrons are ejected from the nucleus by nuclear fission and other processes. X-rays: X-rays are a form of radiation similar to gamma radiation, but they are produced mainly by artificial means rather than from radioactive substances. Because it has no mass or charge, it can pass through the human body, but it is absorbed by denser materials, such as concrete or lead. It is usually emitted immediately after the ejection of an alpha or beta particle from the nucleus of an atom. Gamma radiation: Gamma radiation is a very penetrating type of radiation. However, it can still be stopped by a small amount of shielding, such as a sheet of plastic. Beta radiation has a negative charge and is about 1/7000th the size of an alpha particle, so it is more penetrating. Beta radiation: Beta radiation consists of fast-moving electrons ejected from the nucleus of an atom. Due to their size and charge, alpha particles are barely able to penetrate skin and can be stopped completely by a sheet of paper. ![]() The following are some of the relevant ones: Alpha radiation: Alpha radiation consists of two protons and two neutrons since they have no electrons, they carry a positive charge. ![]() There are many types of ionizing radiation. The radiation that can produce ions is called ionizing radiation. Electrically charged molecules and atoms are called ions. Some types of radiation have enough energy that they can knock electrons out of their orbits around atoms, upsetting the electron/ proton balance and giving the atom a positive charge. These are defined as extremely low frequency (ELF) waves. Other forms include the earth’s magnetic field and magnetic field exposure from proximity to transmission lines, household wiring and electrical appliances. Microwave ovens, global positioning systems, cellular telephones, television stations, FM and AM radio, baby monitors, cordless phones, garage-door openers and ham radios all use non-ionizing radiation. This form of radiation does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules. People use and are exposed to non-ionizing radiation sources every day. Radiation can be described as being one of two basic types: non ionizing and ionizing. (previous) .Radiation occurs when energy is emitted by a source, then travels through a medium, such as air, until it is absorbed by matter. Thus it is the time it takes for exactly half of an arbitrary quantity of that isotope to remain.Īn isotope of a chemical element which is not subject to radioactive decay is described as stable. The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for exactly half of an arbitrary quantity of that isotope to undergo radioactive decay. However, the new atom may have its own particular (different) mode of decay itself.Īn isotope of a chemical element which is subject to radioactive decay is known as a radioactive isotope.Ī chemical element whose isotopes are all subject to radioactive decay is known as a radioactive element. Having decayed, that atom is now transformed into an atom of a different type, and so is not subject to any further occurrences of that particular decay process. The probability of an individual atom decaying is an intrinsic property of the given chemical element. Radioactive decay is a first-order reaction in which the atoms of a substance may spontaneously break apart, thereby turning into atoms of a different substance. ![]()
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