What is radioactivity and when does it occur?

As its name implies, radioactivity is the act of emitting radiation spontaneously. This is done by an atomic nucleus that, for some reason, is unstable; it “wants” to give up some energy in order to shift to a more stable configuration.

Where does radioactivity happen?

nucleus
In radioactive processes, particles or electromagnetic radiation are emitted from the nucleus. The most common forms of radiation emitted have been traditionally classified as alpha (a), beta (b), and gamma (g) radiation.

Why do radioactive decay reactions take place?

Radioactive decay a the spontaneous process through which an unstable atomic nucleus breaks into smaller, more stable fragments. Every atom seeks to be as stable as possible. In the case of radioactive decay, instability occurs when there is an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.

How is radioactivity produced?

Radioactive material exists naturally in the Earth (this is partially why the inside of the Earth is warm) and is produced continuously in the atmosphere by cosmic rays. Humans make radioactive material by causing nuclear reactions in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators. As they decay, they emit radiation.

Why is it called radioactive?

Marie and Pierre Curie’s study of radioactivity is an important factor in science and medicine. After their research on Becquerel’s rays led them to the discovery of both radium and polonium, they coined the term “radioactivity” to define the emission of ionizing radiation by some heavy elements.

Why and how does atomic nuclear decay take place?

Nuclear decay occurs when the nucleus of an atom is unstable and spontaneously emits energy in the form of radiation. The result is that the nucleus changes into the nucleus of one or more other elements. These daughter nuclei have a lower mass and are more stable (lower in energy) than the parent nucleus.

Why is radioactive decay first order?

Because radioactive decay is a first-order process, radioactive isotopes have constant half-lives. Half-life is symbolized by t1/2, and it’s the time required for 1/2 of a sample of a particular radioactive isotope to decay. For example, the half-life of Strontium-90 is equal to 28.8 years.

Why radioactive decay plays a significant role in Earth’s internal heat?

Why does radioactive decay play a very important role in earth’s internal heat? Radioactive element can be found anywhere in the planet. When radioactive element decays, it produces heat. Spontaneous nuclear disintegration of radioactive elements produced thermal energy.

What is radiation and where does it come from?

The majority of background radiation occurs naturally from minerals and a small fraction comes from man-made elements. Naturally occurring radioactive minerals in the ground, soil, and water produce background radiation. The human body even contains some of these naturally-occurring radioactive minerals.

Who invented radioactivity?

For his discovery of spontaneous radioactivity Becquerel was awarded half of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1903, the other half being given to Pierre and Marie Curie for their study of the Becquerel radiation.

What is the theory of radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the property of unstable atomic nuclei to transform spontaneously. The process releases energy (usually by emitting ionizing radiation). Ionizing radiation is capable of removing electrons from atoms or molecules, leaving behind positively charged cations. …

Why does radioactive decay play an important role in Earth’s internal?

This radioactivity is part of earth’s natural system and is the main cause of heat inside the earth and the driving force for earth’s tectonic system which leads to volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics. Understanding radioactive decay leads us to understand the age of the earth, the solar system and the universe.

Why is radioactivity harmful to humans?

As radioactive material decays, or breaks down, the energy released into the environment has two ways of harming a body that is exposed to it, Higley said. It can directly kill cells, or it can cause mutations to DNA. If those mutations are not repaired, the cell may turn cancerous.

Why is radioactivity so dangerous?

Radioactive waste produces large quantities of ionising radiation (radiation that contains enough energy to break molecular bonds). Ionising radiation is primarily dangerous due to its ability to damage DNA, resulting in cancerous mutations of cells.

Why are our Bodys slightly radioactive?

Potassium is good for you, is used in many biochemical reactions, and is one of the reasons why the human body is itself slightly radioactive. Radium occurs in the ground where the trees grow and is absorbed by the plant’s root system. Brazil nuts emit over 6,600 pCi/kilogram of radiation. Most of that radiation passes harmlessly through the body.

Why is radioactivity a nuclear phenomenon?

A nuclear phenomenon is one in which there is some change occurring inside nucleus as against chemical reactions where only the loss, gain or sharing of electrons are involved. As radioactivity is exhibited by those atoms whose nucleus is unstable resulting in emission of particles or energy in the form of rays.