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    Radioactivity

    Radioactivity is the spontaneous decomposition of the unstable atomic nuclei to form nuclei with a high stability. The particles and energy released during the decomposition process are called radiation. Radioactivity can occur naturally in the environment or it can be induced in the laboratory.
    There are three major types of natural radioactivity, Alpha Radiation, Beta Radiation and Gamma Radiation. These types of radiation can also be induced in a laboratory in order to observe the emission let off. There are other varieties of radioactive decay however they are not as readily studied.

    The radioactive decay rates are stated in terms of their half-lives. Different types of radioactivity leads to different decay paths. These different decay paths will convert the nuclei’s into other chemical elements. Radioactive dating occurs by examining the amount of decay product.

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    BrainMass Categories within Radioactivity

    Half-Life

    Solutions: 78

    A half-life is the time required for the quantity to fall to half its value as measured at the beginning of the time period.

    Radiation Risks

    Solutions: 13

    Risks associated with being exposed to radiation.

    Alpha

    Solutions: 80

    An alpha particle is two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle.

    Beta

    Solutions: 38

    A beta particle is a high energy and speed particle emitted by certain types of radioactive nucleus.

    Gamma

    Solutions: 28

    A gamma particle is electromagnetic radiation emitted by radioactive decay.

    Decay Paths

    Solutions: 3

    A unique sequence of radioactive decay processes and half-lives.

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    Procedure Behind Quality Assurance for Radiation Therapists

    Briefly describe one quality assurance procedure performed by the radiation therapist. Be specific about what the QA procedure is for (what does it check and why is it important to do?), how often it's done and if there are any special instruments needed.

    Half-Life of Radioactive Substance

    A scientist prepares a sample of radioactive substance. One year later, the sample contains 3 grams of the substance; 2 year later there is only 1 gram. Determine how much of the radioactive substance was present initially. Use words to describe the solution steps. (not just symbols) Please Attach the solution as a separa

    Hypothetical Element Radioactivity

    Imagine element *W* that looked like this: 112 *W* 228 amu One week after it's discovery scientists noticed that element *W * had 113 protons. Assuming that all previous observations were accurate what could explain this change?

    Radioactive material

    The amount of radioactive material, in grams, present after t days is modeled by (see attached file for equation) a) Find the amount present after 10 days. b) Find the half-life of the material

    Radioactivity and Intensity

    If radioactivity is emitted with an intensity of 175mCi at a distance of 1.0m from the source, how far from the source should you stand in order to be exposed to no more than .2mCi? I have absolutely know idea of where to even begin with this problem, nor how to set it up. Please give me DETAILED direction and any formula in

    The Atomic Bomb is summarized.

    The decision to drop the atomic bomb remains a very controversial one in American and world history. To what degree did fear of Moscow or a desire to intimidate the Soviets factor into this decision? Was the act itself immoral?