Explain radioactivity and its problems and applications, Physics

Assignment Help:

Explain Radioactivity and its Problems and Applications?

All radiation, electromagnetic as well as the kind from nuclear decay, takes its toll on living organisms. If the radiation has enough energy it can disrupt the functioning of living cells. This is particularly harmful if the radiation damages the nucleic acid molecules which make up your genetic information. 

We are constantly being exposed to radiation from natural sources. Rocks contain radioactive elements, we are being bombarded by cosmic rays from space and our food and water contain radioactive particles. Additional amounts of radiation come from man-made sources such as testing from nuclear weapons, medical x-rays and nuclear power plants. 

All three types of radiation come in a variety of different energies, but we can make generalizations.  Alpha particles are the least penetrating (they can be blocked by a t-shirt) but because of their large mass, they are the most harmful if they actually get into your system.  Gamma rays are the most penetrating and require several centimeters of lead to stop them.  Beta particles are somewhere in between.  They can be stopped by aluminum foil.    

Using Radioactive Nuclides:

Radioactive elements are easily found because they emit radiation. They can be used as tracers to show what is happening in plants and animals.  A radioactive isotope of a molecule can be substituted for the regular atom used by a specific organ in your body. Doctors can follow the path of that tracer by detecting the movement as it wanders through your body. Areas of high or low radioactivity signal a problem area.

 Radioactive isotopes can also be used to target cancer cells.  If you have a thyroid cancer doctors will often prescribe iodine-131.The iodine accumulates in the gland and the radiation destroys the cancer cells. For other types of cancer, external sources of radiation bombard the cancerous cells to destroy them

Some naturally occurring nuclides can be used in archeological and geological dating. We already mentioned these applications in the section entitled Radioactive Dating.    


Related Discussions:- Explain radioactivity and its problems and applications

Illustrate the no-load phasor diagram, A 3300V/440V, single-phase transform...

A 3300V/440V, single-phase transformer takes a no-load current of 0.8A and the iron loss is 500W. Draw the no-load phasor diagram and Determine the values of the magnetizing

Explain moderation, Moderation: In a nuclear reactor, the fast moving n...

Moderation: In a nuclear reactor, the fast moving neutron has to be slowed down by the use of Boron rods before they are able to cause further fission. The process of slowing d

Explain intermolecular force, When two molecules approach each other, the c...

When two molecules approach each other, the charges in each are disturbed and redistributed in a fashion that the average distance among the unlike charges in the two molecules is

Does cph mass increase, Does CPH mass increase? Answer; Never, mass of ...

Does CPH mass increase? Answer; Never, mass of CPH is constant, as like its speed.

Draw a force diagram, The magnitude of a charge, q, is to be determined by ...

The magnitude of a charge, q, is to be determined by transferring the charge equally to two pith balls. Each of the pith balls has a mass of m, and is suspended by an insulating th

Explain the principle and working of a light emitting diode, Define, with t...

Define, with the help of a schematic diagram, the principle and working of a Light Emitting Diode. What criterion is kept in mind whereas choosing the semiconductor material for su

Evaluate the maximum change in the period, The variable period of a moon of...

The variable period of a moon of Jupiter, which is the basis of measurement of the speed of light in Roemer's method (whoever heis), is regarded as the Doppler affect. The period o

Properties of electric lines of force, Q. Give any three properties of elec...

Q. Give any three properties of electric lines of force. Properties of lines of forces: (i) Lines of force begin from positive charge and terminate at negative charge. (ii

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd