Radioactivity: Particles, Advantages and Disadvantages

History of Radioactivity

The French scientist Henri Becquerel, in 1896, first discovered the phenomenon of radioactivity while working with phosphorescent materials. These materials radiance in the dark after direct exposure to light, and he presumed that the glow produced in cathode ray tubes by X-rays might be associated with phosphorescence.

He found that an ore consisting of Uranium emits invisible radiation which permeates through a black paper wrapping a photographic plate and affects the plate.

In 1898, after Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie and Pierre Curie found two new radioactive elements Polonium and Radium.

Explanation

Radioactivity refers to the particles which are emitted from nuclei as a result of nuclear instability. Due to the fact that the nucleus experiences the intense conflict between the two greatest forces in nature, it should not be surprising that there are numerous nuclear isotopes that are unstable and discharge some sort of radiation.

Measuring of Radioactivity

Radioactive decay rates are typically stated in terms of their half-lives, and the half-life of an offered nuclear species is related to its radiation risk. The various kinds of radioactivity result in various decay courses which transmute the nuclei into other chemical elements. Analyzing the quantities of the decay products makes possible radioactive dating.

Radioactive Particles

After numerous years of research and study, scientists recognized several unique types of particles arising from radioactive procedures (radiation). The 3 distinct types of radiation were called after the first three letters of the Greek alphabet: (alpha), (beta), and (gamma).

These 3 forms of radiation can be separated by an electromagnetic field given that positively charged alpha particles flex in one direction, negative beta particles flex in an opposite direction, and electrically neutral gamma radiation doesn’t flex at all.

α- particles

They are helium nuclei. Each particle has two protons and 2 neutrons.

charge number       Z= 2

mass number          A=4

β– particles

They are fast-moving electrons i.e., coming out of the nucleus.

charge number       Z= -1

mass number          A= 0

γ- Ryas

Like x-rays, γ-rays are also electro-magnetic rays coming out of the nucleus. The wavelength of γ-rays is much shorter than the x-rays. They have a very high frequency.

Advantages of Radioactivity

• Gamma rays can pass deep inside the body, they can be used to exterminate cancer cells and even cure individuals of this health problem and this process of treatment is called radiotherapy.

Even though exposure to large amounts can also cause cancers.

• Gamma rays successfully kill microorganisms that cause food to decay. So, food treated with this radiation has a longer shelf life.
• A Geiger Counter is an instrument that measures radiation. If radioisotopes are added to oil or gas, engineers can follow the radioisotope, and trace any leaks in oil or gas pipes.
• Carbon 14 is used to calculate the age of animal and plant remains by comparing its half-life. This is called carbon dating.
• By measuring the argon content of many rocks that contain potassium, scientists can compute the age of the rock. This is called rock dating.

Disadvantages of Radioactivity

• Direct exposure to large quantities of radioactivity can trigger queasiness, vomiting, loss of hair, diarrhea, hemorrhage, destruction of the digestive lining, central nervous system damage, and death.
• It likewise triggers DNA damage and raises the threat of cancer, particularly in children and fetuses.
• Direct exposure to damaging radiations can cause severe skin and other organs’ cancer.

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