12. Radioactivity
Radioactivity involves the spontaneous emission of radiation from unstable atomic nuclei, with three primary types of emissions: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. The chapter also discusses radioactive decay, nuclear reactions such as fission and fusion, and the concept of half-life, which dictates the decay rate of isotopes. Practical applications range from medical treatments and industrial uses to archaeological dating, emphasizing the importance of safety measures when dealing with radioactive materials.
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What we have learnt
- Radioactivity is the emission of radiation from unstable nuclei.
- There are three types of radioactive emissions: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
- Radioactive decay is a process that transforms unstable nuclei into more stable forms.
Key Concepts
- -- Radioactivity
- The spontaneous emission of radiation from the nuclei of certain unstable atoms.
- -- HalfLife
- The time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.
- -- Nuclear Fission
- A nuclear reaction where a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy.
- -- Nuclear Fusion
- A nuclear reaction where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing significant energy.
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