Radiation and Half-Life 1.) Ionizing vs. Non-ionizing radiation 2.) Radioactive Decay (Half-life)

Non-Ionizing Radiation Electromagnetic radiation without enough energy to release an electron (will not ionize) Enough energy to excite an electron to a higher energy state

Ionizing Radiation Electromagnetic radiation with enough energy to release an electron (will ionize)

Electromagnectic Spectrum Scheeline.scs.illinois.edu for electromagnectic spectrum

Isotopes ISOTOPES of Carbon – each below have 6 protons Atom is comprised of protons (+), electons(-)and neutrons Mass comes from protons and neutrons Isotopes share the same number of protons (+), but have different number of neutrons ISOTOPES of Carbon – each below have 6 protons Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons (over 99% naturally occurring) Carbon-13 has 7 neutrons (6 protons + 7 neutrons = 13) Carbon-14 has 8 neutrons

Half-Life The amount of time it takes for the amount of the isotope to decay by half. Forms an exponential decay Known half-life can be used to determine the age of a material (Carbon-14 dating) 6 6

Carbon Dating Carbon 14 6 protons + 8 neutrons = 14 Carbon 14 makes up 1 part per trillion naturally Carbon 14 decays to Nitrogen 14 through beta decay Ionizing decay Level of Carbon 14 is the same as atmosphere at the time of death, and then decays Can determine ages up to 60,000 years old Half life of 5730 years

Chocolatesium Attention scientists! New element has been discovered and its half-life needs to be measured. Remember, half-life is when half the isotope remains