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Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
The ABC's (or Alpha, Beta, The ABC's (or Alpha, Beta, Gamma) of RadioactivityGamma) of Radioactivity
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
AgendaAgenda
Definition of Radioactivity and emissionsDiscussion of the three most important
types of emissionsWhat do we mean by half-life?Where is Radioactivity encountered?Is Radioactivity dangerous?
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
ExpectationsExpectations
SWBAT state what radioactivity is, where these rays come from, what each ray is made of and state why they are dangerous.
SWBAT identify 4 pioneer scientists who made important contributions to understanding radioactivity
SWABT to explain the meaning of “half-life”. Student will be asked to find any sources of
Radioactivity in his/her environment
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Early Pioneers in RadioactivityEarly Pioneers in Radioactivity
Roentgen:
Discoverer of X-rays 1895
Becquerel:
Discoverer of Radioactivity
1896
The Curies:
Discoverers of Radium and
Polonium 1900-1908
Rutherford:
Discoverer Alpha and Beta
rays 1897
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
What do we mean by What do we mean by Radioactivity?Radioactivity?
Radioactive decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves.
There are numerous types of radioactive decay. The general idea:
An unstable nucleus releases energy to become more stable
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Some Key Definitions Before We Some Key Definitions Before We Move onMove on
Z = The Atomic Number. It’s the Number of Protons in the nucleus of an Atom.
Nucleus: It’s where the Protons and Neutrons are located in an Atom.
Protons: Positively Charged Particles in the Nucleus of the atom. Mass = (approx) 1 AMU
Neutrons: Neutrally charged particles in the nucleus of an atom Mass = (approx) 1 AMU
Mass Number of an atom: Number of Protons + Number of Neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
The Nuclear Stability BeltThe Nuclear Stability Belt
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Kinds of RadioactivityKinds of Radioactivity
The three main decays are Alpha, Beta and Gamma
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Three Common Types of Three Common Types of Radioactive EmissionsRadioactive Emissions
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
An alpha particle is identical to that of a helium nucleus.
It contains two protons and two neutrons.
Alpha Decay
XA
ZY
A - 4
Z - 2+ He
4
2
Alpha Decay
unstable atom
more stable atom
alpha particle
Alpha Decay
Ra226
88
Rn222
86
He4
2
XA
ZY
A - 4
Z - 2+ He
4
2
Ra226
88Rn
222
86+ He
4
2
Alpha Decay
Rn222
86He
4
2+Po
218
84He
4
2
Rn222
86+Y
A
ZHe
4
2
Alpha Decay
He4
2U
234
92+Th
230
90He
4
2
X A
Z+Th
230
90He
4
2
Alpha Decay
Th 230
90+Y
A
ZHe
4
2
Alpha Decay
He4
2+Ra
226
88He
4
2Th
230
90
X A
Z+Pb
214
82He
4
2
Alpha Decay
He4
2+Pb
214
82He
4
2Po
218
84
Beta Decay
A beta particle is a fast moving electron which is emitted from the nucleus of an atom undergoing radioactive decay.
Beta decay occurs when a neutron changes into a proton and an electron.
Beta Decay
As a result of beta decay, the nucleus has one less neutron, but one extra proton.
The atomic number, Z, increases by 1 and the mass number, A, stays the same.
Beta Decay
Po218
84
0
-1
At218
85
XA
ZY
A
Z + 1+
0
-1
Beta Decay
Po218
84Rn
218
85+
0
-1
Th234
90Y
A
Z+
0
-1
Beta Decay
Th234
90Pa
234
91+
0
-1
X A
ZPb
210
82+
0
-1
Beta Decay
Tl210
81Pb
210
82+
0
-1
Bi210
83Y
A
Z+
0
-1
Beta Decay
Bi210
83Po
210
84+
0
-1
X A
ZBi
214
83+
0
-1
Beta Decay
Pb214
82Bi
214
83+
0
-1
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Three Common Types of Three Common Types of Radioactive Emissions - Radioactive Emissions -
PenetrabilityPenetrability
Alpha particles may be completely stopped by a sheet of paper, beta particles by aluminum shielding. Gamma rays, however, can only be reduced by much more substantial obstacles, such as a very thick piece of lead.
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Another Contribution from Rutherford:Another Contribution from Rutherford: Half-life of Radioactive Atoms Half-life of Radioactive Atoms
The half-life of a radioactive substance, is the time required for one half of it to decay.
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Sources of RadioactivitySources of Radioactivity
Primordial - from before the creation of the Earth
Cosmogenic - formed as a result of cosmic ray interactions
Human produced - enhanced or formed due to human actions (minor amounts compared to natural)
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Where are the Sources of Where are the Sources of Radioactivity?Radioactivity?
Naturally Occurring Sources:
– Radon from the decay of Uranium and Thorium
– Potassium -40 – found in minerals and in plants
– Carbon 14 – Found in Plants and Animal tissue Manmade Sources:
– Medical use of Radioactive Isotopes
– Certain Consumer products –(eg Smoke detectors)
– Fallout from nuclear testing
– Emissions from Nuclear Power plants
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Radioactivity – Is it a Health Radioactivity – Is it a Health Problem?Problem?
The Alpha, Beta and Gamma particles all add energy to the body’s tissues. The effect is called the Ionizing Energy. It can alter DNA.
Even though Alpha particles are not very penetrative if the decaying atom is already in the body (inhalation, ingestion) they can cause trouble.
The Time, Distance and Shielding principle
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Radiation Exposure to AmericansRadiation Exposure to Americans
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Summary/QuestionsSummary/Questions
Name three of the science pioneers in the study of Radioactivity.?
Why does a nucleus decay? Order these emissions from least to greatest penetrability:
Gamma, Alpha, Beta. What is the greatest source of exposure to radioactivity in
our everyday lives? If I tell you that that the half-life of Fellmanium-250 is
10 days, how much would be left after 30 days if I started with 1600 atoms?
Science Park HS -- Honors Chemistry
Where to Get More InformationWhere to Get More Information
http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/natural.htm
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)Dept of Energy