What is radioactivity , Biology

Assignment Help:

What is Radioactivity ?

Radioactivity :  Some isotopes, called radioisotopes, have unstable nuclei that release high energy particles or radiant energy, or both. An example is tritium, or 3H. Tritium has two neutrons and a proton in its nucleus. When an unstable nucleus disintegrates into particle fragments and radiation, the element gradually forms an element with lower atomic weight and number.

Radioisotopes have a unique half-life, or time period in which half of the atoms disintegrate into a nonradioactive state. The half-life of the radioisotope 14C is used in dating fossils and archeological specimens.

Biologists also use radioactive atoms such as tritium as "labels" in molecules so that their pathways in biological reactions can be traced. The radiation is detected with radiation counters or by its reaction with photographic films, which provides a track.

 


Related Discussions:- What is radioactivity

Mechanoreceptors - receptors, Mechanoreceptors - Receptors Mechanorece...

Mechanoreceptors - Receptors Mechanoreceptors involve those receptors involved in perception of touch, pressure, tension, hearing, vibration, gravity, muscle tension etc. Th

How is the ovulation date estimated, How is the ovulation date estimated wi...

How is the ovulation date estimated with the control of the woman's body temperature? One method to estimate the exact ovulation day is daily control of the body temperature ta

Issues to be discussed while counselling a diabetic patient, Q. Issues to b...

Q. Issues to be discussed while counselling a diabetic patient ? Issues to be discussed · Counselling at Diagnosis · Diabetes is Controllable · Counselling for Day

Types of biogeochemical cycles, Types of Biogeochemical Cycles There a...

Types of Biogeochemical Cycles There are two basic types of biogeochemical cycles, gaseous and sedimentary. In the gaseous type of biogeochemical cycle there is a prominent ga

Llustrate the role of each area in the evolution of the hebe, llustrate the...

llustrate the role of each area in the evolution of the Hebe Uses appropriate examples from the Hebe data to illustrate the role of each area/concept in the evolution of the He

Define role of vitamin d in controlling gene expression, Define role of Vit...

Define role of Vitamin D in controlling gene expression? Vitamin D is a secosteroid that is metabolically activated and degraded through the actions of three cytochrome P450 hy

What is covalent bonds, What is covalent bonds? Covalent Bonds :  Cov...

What is covalent bonds? Covalent Bonds :  Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons in order to become more stable. Instead of gaining electrons or losing electrons enti

Determine the enzymatic chemical reactions, How does facilitated diffusion ...

How does facilitated diffusion present similarities with enzymatic chemical reactions? One of the main examples of facilitated transport is the entrance of glucose from the blo

Environment can change the genotype of an individual, What are the situatio...

What are the situations in which the environment can change the genotype of an individual? What is the condition for this type of change to be transmitted to the offspring? The

What are the main functions of the bacterial flora, What are the main funct...

What are the main functions of the bacterial flora within the human gut? Bacteria that live inside the gut have great significance in digestion. Some polysaccharides like cellu

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