Chapter 8
RADIOACTIVITY
[Link]
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
Determine the Explain with
relationship examples
between radioactive
radioactivity and the materials,
concept of half-life radioactivity and the
concept of half-life.
RADIOACTIVE
MATERIALS
The nucleus of an atom comprises of protons and neutrons that are
combined by a strong force.
The strong bond forms a stable nucleus.
However, there are also unstable nuclei.
On average, a medium-sized nucleus is more stable than a heavy and
light nucleus.
Radioactive materials are elements with unstable nuclei.
EXAMPLE OF STABLE NUCLEUS
AND UNSTABLE NUCLEI
NUCLEUS STABILITY
A nucleus's stability is primarily determined by the
balance between the number of protons and neutrons
within it. Stable nuclei have a balanced ratio of protons to
neutrons, while unstable nuclei have a significant
imbalance. This imbalance leads to radioactive decay,
where the unstable nucleus transforms to achieve a more
stable configuration.
STABLE NUCLEI RATIO
Stable nuclei maintain a balanced ratio of protons to
neutrons, which is crucial for nuclear stability. For lighter
elements, this ratio is approximately 1:1, while heavier
elements require a higher neutron-to-proton ratio to
counteract the repulsive forces between protons.
STABLE NUCLEI RATIO
Neutron-Proton Ratio:
The stability of a nucleus is heavily influenced by the balance between
the number of protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral charge)
within the nucleus.
Light Nuclei:
In lighter elements (atomic number up to 20), the stable nuclei tend to
have roughly equal numbers of protons and neutrons, resulting in a 1:1
ratio.
Heavy Nuclei:
As the number of protons increases in heavier elements, the repulsive
electrostatic forces between them become stronger. To counteract these
forces and maintain stability, heavier nuclei require a higher proportion
of neutrons to protons.
RADIOACTIVITY
Radioactivity occurs naturally because some atomic nuclei are inherently
unstable and spontaneously transform, releasing energy in the form of
radiation. This process, known as radioactive decay, is a fundamental
property of certain elements and isotopes found in nature. These unstable
nuclei, called radionuclides, exist in the Earth's crust, atmosphere, and
even within living organisms, contributing to natural background
radiation.
RADIATION
RADIATION
Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or moving
subatomic particles. It is a form of energy that travels from one place to
another, either as waves or particles
ALPHA
Alpha radiation is a type of ionizing
radiation consisting of alpha particles,
which are composed of two protons and
two neutrons, essentially a helium
nucleus. These particles are emitted
during a process called alpha decay,
where unstable atomic nuclei release
energy. Alpha radiation is characterized
by its relatively low penetration power,
meaning it can be stopped by materials
like paper or even the outer layer of skin.
BETA
Beta particles (β) are high
energy, high speed
-
electrons (β ) that are
ejected from the nucleus
by some radionuclides
during a form of
radioactive decay called
beta-decay.
GAMMA
RAY
Gamma rays are a form of
electromagnetic radiation
characterized by their high energy
and short wavelength. They are
produced during radioactive decay of
atomic nuclei or from high-energy
astrophysical events like supernova
explosions and black holes.
Essentially, they are a type of light,
but with much higher energy than
visible light, X-rays, or other forms of
electromagnetic radiation.
RADIOACTIVE HALF-
LIFE DECAY CONCEPT
Radioactive material activity is the rate of decay of the material.
The activeness of a radioactive material depends on the number of atoms
that have not decayed.
The activeness of radioactive materials reduces with time.
Different radioactive materials decay at different times.
The rate of decay changes according to the number of radioactive atoms.
When a radioactive material decays:
- The number of decayed atoms increases
- The number of active atoms decreases
- The total number of atoms are the same.
RADIOACTIVE HALF-
LIFE DECAY CONCEPT
The main purposes of half-life in radioactive
decay are to determine the rate of decay, predict
the amount of radioactive material remaining
over time, and assess the dangers associated
with radioactive materials
8.2 ATOM AND
NUCLEUS
[Link] objects which have mass and occupy space are called
matter.
2. Matter comprises of atoms.
3. Atoms are particles that are small and discreet which
cannot be seen with the naked eye.
4. Atoms means cannot be divided or cut.
FORMATION OF POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE IONS
[Link] are charged atoms or particles.
[Link] atoms have the same number of protons and
electrons.
[Link] atoms changes to an ion when it loses or receive electrons.
[Link] a neutral atom loses electrons, it become a positive ions,
whereas a neutral atom that receives electrons become a
negative ions.
[Link] atoms form positive ions while non-metal atoms form
negative ions.
8.3
IONISING
AND
NON-IONISING RADIATION
NON-IONISING RADIATION
1. Non-ionising radiation refers to any less energised
electromagnets rays that cannot ionise atoms or molecules.
2. It does not have sufficient energy to break the molecule bonds
and ionise molecules.
3. Generally, radiation and particle energy or photon energy that
is less than 10 eV is categorised as non-ionising radiation.
15
4. The radiation frequency of non-ionising radiation is 100- 100
Hz.
5. The radiation lies at the end of the electron spectrum.
6. Example: Radio waves, microwaves and laser.
NON-IONISING RADIATION
7. Penetration of non-ionising radiation into tissue is not deep but
is able to cause harm to skin and eyes.
8. Depending on the energy and time of exposure, this radiation
can cause global warming or photochemical reactions that leave
permanent damage.
9. For instance, skin that is overly exposed to sunlight for a long
period of time will result in sunburn.
10. Thus, exposure to non- ionising radiation should be reduced.
NON-IONISING RADIATION
RADIOACTIVE RADIATION AS
IONISING RADIATION
RADIOACTIVE RADIATION AS
IONISING RADIATION
IONISING RADIATION
[Link] radiation is electromagnet rays that have enough
energy atoms or molecules.
[Link] radiation has enough energy to break the electron bonds
to atoms or molecules, thus forming ions.
[Link]: Alpha particles, beta particles, X-rays, neutron,
visible light, infrared, near and far ultraviolet.
TYPES OF IONISING RADIATION
ALPHA PARTICLE
Two protons and two neutrons
Positive charged
BETA PARTICLE
Electron
Negative charged
GAMMA RAY
Electromagnetic wave
Neutral
SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION
IN THE ENVIRONMENT
8.4
THE USE OF RADIOACTIVE
RADIATION
AGRICULTURE
[Link] CONTROL
Gamma rays are shone on pests to kill or hinder their breeding.
2. INCREASE QUALITY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Gamma rays are used to mutate plants cells to create a new gene with
more quality.
3. RESEARCH
Phosphorus-32 is used to determine the absorption rate of fertilisers
by plants.
Carbon-14 is used to investigate the effectiveness of pest control on
plants.
MEDICINE
[Link] TREATMENT
Gamma rays from cobalt-60 is used to destroy cancer cells and shrink
tumours.
Iranium-192 is used to treat cancer and breast cancer.
Samarium-153 is used to treat leukaemia.
2. DETECTION
Iodine-123 is used to detect blocks in the kidney.
Iodine-131 is used to detect damage in the thyroid gland.
Iodine-131 and Barium-38 detect growth of tumour cells in the brain.
Natrium-24 detects the position of blood clots.
Iron-59 detects iron nutrients in blood.
Technetium-99 detects the condition of internal organs of human.
MEDICINE
3. STERILISATION
Gamma rays are used to sterilise medical equipment like surgical
equipment, gloves, thermometer, neddles and syringes.
SARS patients pillows and beds are brought to gamma ray rooms to kill the
virus.
INDUSTRIALISATION
[Link] CONTROL
Beta and Gamma rays are used to check and control the quality of
products in cans and packages.
Beta rays are used to determine paper and plastic thickness.
Gamma rays are used to determine the thickness of metal.
Alpha rays are used in the textile industry to neutralise static
charges to reduce wrinkles on the cloths.
[Link] isotopes detect corrosion of engines and the gearbox.
3. Detect leaks
Isotopes and the Geiger-Muller tube can detect leaks in the
piston of vehicles and oil/gas pipes.
FOOD PRESERVATION
[Link] ray is used to kill bacteria in canned and bottled food.
[Link] ray are used to delay ripeness of packaged fruits and
vegetables.
[Link] ray can kill bacteria in meat to preserve its freshness for
a longer period.
ARCHAEOLOGY
[Link] age of artefact.
THANK YOU!
I hope you learn something
new today!