History of radioactivity презентация

History of radioactivity

Antoine Henri Becquerel (1852-1908)

Henri Becquerel was born into a family of scientists. His grandfather had made important contributions in the field of electrochemistry while his father had investigated the phenomena of fluorescence and phosphorescence. Becquerel not only inherited their interest in science, he also inherited the minerals and compounds studied by his farther.

And so, upon learning how Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x-rays from the fluorescence they produced, Becquerel had ready source of fluorescent materials with which to pursue his own investigations of these mysterious rays.

The material Becquerel chose to work with was potassium uranyl sulphate, K2UO2 (SO4 )2, which he exposed to sunlight and placed on photographic plates wrapped in black paper. When developed, the plates revealed an image of the uranium crystals.

Becquerel concluded “that the phosphorescence substance in question emits radiation which penetrates paper opaque to light”. Initially he believed that the sun’s energy was being absorbed by the uranium which then emitted x rays.

Further investigation, on the 26th and 27th of February, was delayed because the skies over Paris were overcast and the uranium-covered plates Becquerel intended to expose to the sun were returned to a drawer.

On the first of March, he developed the photographic plates expecting only faint images to appear. To his surprise, the images were clear and strong. On the first of March, he developed the photographic plates expecting only faint images to appear. To his surprise, the images were clear and strong.

This meant that the uranium emitted radiation without an external source of energy such as the sun. Becquerel had discovered radioactivity, the spontaneous emission of radiation by a material. This meant that the uranium emitted radiation without an external source of energy such as the sun. Becquerel had discovered radioactivity, the spontaneous emission of radiation by a material.

Later, Becquerel demonstrated that the radiation emitted by uranium shared certain characteristic with x-rays but, unlike x-rays, could be deflected by a magnetic field and therefore must consist of charged particles. For his discovery of radioactivity, Becquerel was awarded the 1903 Nobel Prize for physics.

Pierre Curie (1859-1906) Marie Curie (1867-1934)

Pierre Curie and Marie Curie began investigating the phenomenon of radioactivity recently discovered in uranium ore. After chemical extraction of uranium from the ore, Marie noted the residual material to be more “active” than the pure uranium.

She concluded that the ore contained, in addition to uranium, new elements that were also radioactive. This led to their discoveries of the elements of polonium and radium, but it took four more years of processing tons of ore under oppressive conditions to isolate enough of each element to determine its chemical properties. She concluded that the ore contained, in addition to uranium, new elements that were also radioactive. This led to their discoveries of the elements of polonium and radium, but it took four more years of processing tons of ore under oppressive conditions to isolate enough of each element to determine its chemical properties.

For their work on radioactivity, the Curies were awarded the 1903 Nobel Prize in physics. For their work on radioactivity, the Curies were awarded the 1903 Nobel Prize in physics. Tragically, Pierre was killed three years later in an accident while crossing a street in a rainstorm.

Pierre’s teaching position at the Sorbonne was given to Marie. Never before had a woman taught there. A year later, Marie was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for her discoveries of radium and polonium, thus becoming the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes. For the remainder of her life she tirelessly investigated and promoted the use if radium as a treatment for cancer. Marie Curie died 1935, overtaken by pernicious anemia no doubt caused by years of overwork and radiation exposure. Pierre’s teaching position at the Sorbonne was given to Marie. Never before had a woman taught there. A year later, Marie was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for her discoveries of radium and polonium, thus becoming the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes. For the remainder of her life she tirelessly investigated and promoted the use if radium as a treatment for cancer. Marie Curie died 1935, overtaken by pernicious anemia no doubt caused by years of overwork and radiation exposure.

Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937)

Ernest Rutherford is considered the father of nuclear physics. Indeed, it could be said that Rutherford invented the very language to describe the theoretical concepts of the atom and the phenomenon of radioactivity. Particles named and characterized by him include the alpha particle, beta particle and proton.

Even the neutron, discovered by James Chadwick, owes its name to Rutherford. Purpose by Rutherford and he was the first to elucidate the related concepts of the half-life and decay constant. With Frederick Soddy at McGill University, Rutherford showed that elements such as uranium and thorium became different elements through the process of radioactive decay.

For this work, Rutherford won the 1908 Nobel Prize in chemistry. In 1909, now at the University of Manchester, Rutherford was bombarding a thin gold foil with alpha particles when he noticed that although almost all of them went through the gold, one in eight thousand would “bounce” back. The amazed Rutherford commented that it was “as if you fired a 15-inch naval shell at a piece of tissue paper and the shell came right back and hit you”. For this work, Rutherford won the 1908 Nobel Prize in chemistry. In 1909, now at the University of Manchester, Rutherford was bombarding a thin gold foil with alpha particles when he noticed that although almost all of them went through the gold, one in eight thousand would “bounce” back. The amazed Rutherford commented that it was “as if you fired a 15-inch naval shell at a piece of tissue paper and the shell came right back and hit you”.

From this simple observation, Rutherford concluded that the atom’s mass must be concentrated in a small positively-charged nucleus while the electrons inhabit the farthest reaches of the atom. Although this planetary model of the atom has been greatly refined over the years, it remains as valid today as when it was originally formulated by Rutherford.

In 1919, Rutherford returned to Cambridge to become director of the Cavendish laboratory where he had previously done his graduate work under J.J.Thomson. In 1919, Rutherford returned to Cambridge to become director of the Cavendish laboratory where he had previously done his graduate work under J.J.Thomson.

It was here that he made his final major achievement, the artificial alteration of nuclear and atomic structure. By bombarding nitrogen with alpha particles, Rutherford demonstrated the production of a different element, oxygen. “Playing with marbles” is what he called; the newspapers reported that Rutherford had “split the atom”.

What is ionizing radiation? Ionizing radiation is radiation that has sufficient energy to remove orbital electrons from atoms, leading to the formation of ions.

One source of radiation is the nuclei of unstable atoms. For these radioactive atoms (also referred to as radionuclides or radioisotopes) to become more stable, the nuclei eject or emit subatomic particles and high-energy photons (gamma rays). This process is called radioactive decay.

Unstable isotopes of radium, radon, uranium, and thorium, for example, exist naturally. Others are continually being made naturally or by human activities, such as the splitting of atoms in a nuclear reactor. Either way, they release ionizing radiation. Unstable isotopes of radium, radon, uranium, and thorium, for example, exist naturally. Others are continually being made naturally or by human activities, such as the splitting of atoms in a nuclear reactor. Either way, they release ionizing radiation.

Types of ionizing radiation alpha particle radiation   beta particle radiation   gamma ray radiation  x-ray Radiation

Alpha Particle Radiation An alpha particle consists of two neutrons and two protons ejected from the nucleus of an atom. The alpha particle is identical to the nucleus of a helium atom. Examples of alpha emitters are radium, radon, thorium, and uranium.

The a-rays are positively charged. Because alpha particles are charged and relatively heavy, they interact intensely with atoms in materials they encounter, giving up their energy over a very short range. In air, their travel distances are limited to approximately an inch.

Alpha particles are easily shielded against and can be stopped by a single sheet of paper. Since alpha particles cannot penetrate the dead layer of the skin, they do not present a hazard from exposure external to the body.

However, due to the very large number of ionizations they produce in a very short distance, alpha emitters can present a serious hazard when they are in close proximity to cells and tissues such as the lung. Special precautions are taken to ensure that alpha emitters are not inhaled, ingested or injected. However, due to the very large number of ionizations they produce in a very short distance, alpha emitters can present a serious hazard when they are in close proximity to cells and tissues such as the lung. Special precautions are taken to ensure that alpha emitters are not inhaled, ingested or injected.

Beta Particle Radiation A beta particle is an electron emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. Examples of beta emitters commonly used in biological research are:  hydrogen-3 (tritium), carbon-14, phosphorus-32, phosphorus-33, and sulfur-35.

Beta particles are much less massive and less charged than alpha particles and interact less intensely with atoms in the materials they pass through, which give them a longer range than alpha particles.

Some energetic beta particles, such as those from P-32 (phosphorus), will travel up to several feet in air or approximately one half of an inch into the skin, while low energy beta particles, such as those from H-3 (hydrogen), are not capable of penetrating the dead layer of the skin. Thin layers of metal or plastic stop beta particles

 All beta emitters, depending on the amount present, can pose a hazard if inhaled, ingested or absorbed into the body. In addition, energetic beta emitters are capable of presenting an external radiation hazard, especially to the skin.

Gamma Ray Radiation A gamma ray is a packet (or photon) of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay and occasionally accompanying the emission of an alpha or beta particle. Gamma rays are identical in nature to other electromagnetic radiations such as light or microwaves but are of much higher energy. Examples of gamma emitters are cobalt-60, zinc-65, cesium-137, and radium-226.

Gamma rays are identical in nature to other electromagnetic radiations such as light or microwaves but are of much higher energy. Examples of gamma emitters are cobalt-60, zinc-65, cesium-137, and radium-226 Gamma rays are identical in nature to other electromagnetic radiations such as light or microwaves but are of much higher energy. Examples of gamma emitters are cobalt-60, zinc-65, cesium-137, and radium-226

Like all forms of electromagnetic radiation, gamma rays have no mass or charge and interact less intensively with matter than ionizing particles. Because gamma radiation loses energy slowly, gamma rays are able to travel significant distances. Depending upon their initial energy, gamma rays can travel tens or hundreds of feet in air.

Gamma radiation is typically shielded using very dense materials (the denser the material, the more chance that a gamma ray will interact with atoms in the material) such as lead or other dense metals. Gamma radiation is typically shielded using very dense materials (the denser the material, the more chance that a gamma ray will interact with atoms in the material) such as lead or other dense metals. Gamma radiation particularly can present a hazard from exposures external to the body.

X-Ray Radiation Like a gamma ray, an x-ray is a packet (or photon) of electromagnetic radiation emitted from an atom, except that the x-ray is not emitted from the nucleus.

X-rays are produced as the result of changes in the positions of the electrons orbiting the nucleus, as the electrons shift to different energy levels. Examples of x-ray emitting radioisotopes are iodine-125 and iodine-131. X-rays are produced as the result of changes in the positions of the electrons orbiting the nucleus, as the electrons shift to different energy levels. Examples of x-ray emitting radioisotopes are iodine-125 and iodine-131.

X-rays can be produced during the process of radioactive decay or as bremsstrahlung radiation. Bremsstrahlung radiation is x-rays produced when high-energy electrons strike a target made of a heavy metal, such as tungsten or copper. X-rays can be produced during the process of radioactive decay or as bremsstrahlung radiation. Bremsstrahlung radiation is x-rays produced when high-energy electrons strike a target made of a heavy metal, such as tungsten or copper.

As electrons collide with this material, some have their paths deflected by the nucleus of the metal atoms. This deflection results in the production of x-rays as the electrons lose energy. This is the process by which an x-ray machine produces x-rays. As electrons collide with this material, some have their paths deflected by the nucleus of the metal atoms. This deflection results in the production of x-rays as the electrons lose energy. This is the process by which an x-ray machine produces x-rays.

 Like gamma rays, x-rays are typically shielded using very dense materials such as lead or other dense metals.  Like gamma rays, x-rays are typically shielded using very dense materials such as lead or other dense metals.  X-rays particularly can present a hazard from exposures external to the body.

Non-ionizing Radiation Nonionizing radiations are not energetic enough to ionize atoms and interact with materials in ways that create different hazards than ionizing radiation.

Examples of nonionizing radiation include: Examples of nonionizing radiation include:  Microwaves  Visible Light  Radio Waves  TV Waves  Ultraviolet Light

Natural radioactivity Definition: it is defined as the radioactivity displayed by natural isotopes of elements. For example: All the elements with atomic number greater than 82 are radioactive. Radioactivity shown by radon and uranium. (f.e.a, b, y).

Artificial radioactivity Definition: artificial radioactivity is defined as the process of changing common stable nuclei of atoms into unstable radioactive nuclei which decay at their own rate. It is called induced radioactivity.

Fredric and Irene Curie shared the 1935 Nobel Prize in chemistry for their investigations on the reaction of alpha particle with some of lighter elements such as boron, magnesium and aluminium. They found that when the aluminium is bombarded with alpha particle then neutron was produced.

Natural background radiation To put these radiation effects into perspective, it is worth looking at the “natural” radiations to which we are all exposed, and then at the “artificial” radiations to which we are all exposed at some time or another.

By natural radiations, we mean those radiations within the environment over which we have no control other than to protect ourselves by choosing a particular lifestyle.

For example, cosmic radiations bombard the earth from outer space and their intensity will depend on the angle at which they strike the surface of the earth and the degree to which they are absorbed in the atmosphere. For example, cosmic radiations bombard the earth from outer space and their intensity will depend on the angle at which they strike the surface of the earth and the degree to which they are absorbed in the atmosphere.

Our exposure to cosmic radiation will therefore depend on the altitude at which we live and the time we spend in high-flying aircraft. The “holes” on the ozone layer have a lesser effect on these more penetrating cosmic radiations than on the ultraviolet radiations which contribute to sunburn and the increased incidence of skin cancer.

The major source of “natural” radiation is the gas radon. Radon permeates through the rocks into the atmosphere. In addition, there is the smaller component from the “artificial” or “man-made" sources of radiation amounting, on average to about 0.3 mSv per annum. Most of this comes from the diagnostic uses of x-ray.

Atom

Atom model of the hydrogen

Atom model There are three parts of an atom: protons neutron electrons

Nuclei are referred to using the following Nuclei are referred to using the following nomenclature: A Element Z

Z is the atomic number. It characterizes the element. It also the number of protons. Since protons carry all the positive charge in a nucleus, Z also is the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

A is called the “mass number” and is equal to the sum of Z and neutrons. Collectively, neutrons and protons are called “nucleons”.

A species of nucleus of given Z and A is called nuclide. Nuclides of an element (i.e. same Z) with different A are called isotopes. Nuclides having the same neutrons are called isotones, and nuclides having the same A are called isobars. A species of nucleus of given Z and A is called nuclide. Nuclides of an element (i.e. same Z) with different A are called isotopes. Nuclides having the same neutrons are called isotones, and nuclides having the same A are called isobars.

The proton is the part of an atom that helps to form the nucleus and has a positive charge. Protons must have an equal number of neutrons except hydrogen atom where a single proton exists on its own.

A neutron is the part of an atom that holds no charge. Neutrons and protons occur in equal numbers in stable atoms except in hydrogen. Protons and neutrons are often referred to together as nucleons. If there are more neutrons than protons, then the atom is considered an isotope. The neutron is also important in nuclear chain reactions: both natural and artificial.

Electrons are the smallest parts of the atom and have a negative charge. They are the most numerous of the three. It has no known components or substructure, so it is an elementary particle. It is also considered to be a fermion. It has an antiparticle called the positron. The positron is identical to the electron except that it carries opposite charge. When an electron collides with a positron, both particles will either scatter or be destroyed producing gamma ray photons. Electrons can collide with other particles and be diffracted like light. Two electrons can not occupy the same quantum state based on the Pauli exclusion principle. Electrons are the smallest parts of the atom and have a negative charge. They are the most numerous of the three. It has no known components or substructure, so it is an elementary particle. It is also considered to be a fermion. It has an antiparticle called the positron. The positron is identical to the electron except that it carries opposite charge. When an electron collides with a positron, both particles will either scatter or be destroyed producing gamma ray photons. Electrons can collide with other particles and be diffracted like light. Two electrons can not occupy the same quantum state based on the Pauli exclusion principle.

The positron is identical to the electron except that it carries opposite charge. When an electron collides with a positron, both particles will either scatter or be destroyed producing gamma ray photons. Electrons can collide with other particles and be diffracted like light.

Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus spontaneously loses energy by emitting ionizing particles and radiation. This decay, or loss of energy, results in an atom of one type, called the parent nuclide transforming to an atom of a different type, named the daughter nuclide.

For example: a carbon-14 atom (the “parent”) emits radiation and transforms to a nitrogen-14 atom (the “daughter”). This is a stochastic process on the atomic level, in that it is impossible to predict when a given atom will decay, but given a large number of similar atoms the decay rate, on average, is predictable. For example: a carbon-14 atom (the “parent”) emits radiation and transforms to a nitrogen-14 atom (the “daughter”). This is a stochastic process on the atomic level, in that it is impossible to predict when a given atom will decay, but given a large number of similar atoms the decay rate, on average, is predictable.

The SI (international system) unit of activity is the bequerel (Bq). One Bq is defined as one transformation (or decay) per second.

Half-life Half-life is the period of time it takes for a substance undergoing decay to decrease by half. The name originally was used to describe a characteristic of unstable atoms, but may apply to any quantity which follows set-rate decay.

For example: consider 10 kg of radioelement with a half-life of 1 hour. In the first hour 5 kg will disintegrate. In this manner in each successive hour, half of the amount present will disintegrate. For example: consider 10 kg of radioelement with a half-life of 1 hour. In the first hour 5 kg will disintegrate. In this manner in each successive hour, half of the amount present will disintegrate.

Initially, the rate of disintegration is rapid, but it becomes slower as time passes. The fraction can never be zero. All the atoms of any radioactive sample will disintegrate after infinite time. This infinite time is required for the complete decay of any radioactive sample. Initially, the rate of disintegration is rapid, but it becomes slower as time passes. The fraction can never be zero. All the atoms of any radioactive sample will disintegrate after infinite time. This infinite time is required for the complete decay of any radioactive sample.

Therefore, for comparison between different radioactive substances we consider the quantity called the half-life of the half value period of radioactive substances. Therefore, for comparison between different radioactive substances we consider the quantity called the half-life of the half value period of radioactive substances. The half-life of radium is 1620 years while half-life of radon is only 4 second.

Radiation protection principle There are four basic radiation protection principles that can be employed to reduce to ionizing radiation. These principles are based on consideration of four radiation protection factors that alter radiation dose, time, distance, shielding and quantity.

Time Time is an important factor in radiation protection. The principles states that the shorter the time spent in a radiation field, the less radiation will be accumulated. Depending on the activity present, radioactive material will emit a know amount of radiation per unit time.

Many radiation monitoring devices measure exposure in milliroentgens (mR) per hour. An exposure rate of 60 mR/hr means that for each minute spent in a radiation field, a person will receive a 1-mR exposure (60mR/hr-5-60min/hr =1mR/min). Obviously, the longer a person remains in radiation field, the more radiation that person will accumulate. Many radiation monitoring devices measure exposure in milliroentgens (mR) per hour. An exposure rate of 60 mR/hr means that for each minute spent in a radiation field, a person will receive a 1-mR exposure (60mR/hr-5-60min/hr =1mR/min). Obviously, the longer a person remains in radiation field, the more radiation that person will accumulate.

Distance The second radiation protection factor is distance, and the principle is the farther a person is from a source of radiation, the lower the radiation dose. This principle is known as the inverse square law. By measuring the radiation exposure rate at a given distance from a source of radiation and then doubling the distance from the source, the intensity of the radiation is decreased by factor of four.

For example, a source of radiation that measures 8 mR/hr at 2 feet a source would measure only 2 mR/hr at 4 feet. Conversely, when the distance from the source of radiation is reduced by half, for example, from 2 feet to 1 foot, the exposure rate increases from 8 mR/hr to 32 mR/hr, a factor of four.

Shielding The third radiation protection factor is shielding. The principle follows that the denser a material, the greater is its ability to stop the passage of radiation. In most cases, high-density materials such as lead are used as shields against radiation. Portable lead or concrete shields are sometimes used when responding to accidents where contamination levels are very high.

In addition, some specialty centers for radiation accident management have constructed shield surgical tables for protection. Such measures are, however, not recommended in the community hospital. In addition, some specialty centers for radiation accident management have constructed shield surgical tables for protection. Such measures are, however, not recommended in the community hospital.

In emergency management of the contaminated patient, shielding is limited to standard surgical clothing with slight modifications. Surgical clothing will protect the individual against contamination, and also will stop the passage of all alpha and some beta radiation. In emergency management of the contaminated patient, shielding is limited to standard surgical clothing with slight modifications. Surgical clothing will protect the individual against contamination, and also will stop the passage of all alpha and some beta radiation.

However, it does not stop penetrating gamma radiation. In the hospital emergency department shielding is actually limited to anti-contamination measure and the principles of time and distance are used to reduce radiation exposure. However, it does not stop penetrating gamma radiation. In the hospital emergency department shielding is actually limited to anti-contamination measure and the principles of time and distance are used to reduce radiation exposure.

Quantity The fourth radiation protection factor is quantity. Because the exposure rate from a given radioactive material is directly related to the amount or quantity of the material present, the principle involves limiting the quantity of radioactive material in the working area to decrease radiation exposure. Any technique that reduces the amount of radiation or radioactive material in the treatment area is very useful.

At work with the closed sources of radiations there is a potential danger of radioactive pollution of integuments, overalls and working surface due to infringement of tightness of source. It is necessary for taking into account at carrying out of a sanitary – radiation control. At work with the closed sources of radiations there is a potential danger of radioactive pollution of integuments, overalls and working surface due to infringement of tightness of source. It is necessary for taking into account at carrying out of a sanitary – radiation control.

Check of tightness of the closed sources is necessary for carrying out on a regular basis by the developed techniques. Also the regular control over radioactive impurity of hands, overalls, toolkit and working surfaces is necessary. Check of tightness of the closed sources is necessary for carrying out on a regular basis by the developed techniques. Also the regular control over radioactive impurity of hands, overalls, toolkit and working surfaces is necessary.

At work with the closed sources of the mall sizes there is its danger loss. In such cases it is necessary to have a dosimeter – radiometer with which help it is possible to start searches of the lost source immediately. At work with the closed sources of the mall sizes there is its danger loss. In such cases it is necessary to have a dosimeter – radiometer with which help it is possible to start searches of the lost source immediately.