Nuclear Energy Chapter 15
RADIOACTIVITY 15.1
Remember: Atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons
Most atoms are stable They have a correct balance of protons and neutrons.
Other atoms are unstable They have an “off-balance” number of protons and neutrons.
radioactive Atoms whose nuclei are unstable are said to be
Eventually, these atoms breakdown.
The process is called “radioactivity”.
Radioactivity is not new. Radioactivity is not caused by man.
Radioactive decay in Earth’s interior heats the water for geysers
Radioactive decay in Earth’s interior heats the water for hot springs
Most of the radiation we encounter
Nuclear Technology - Pros Medical X-rays & Anti Cancer Treatments
Nuclear Technology - Pros Smoke detectors
Nuclear Technology - Pros Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Technology - Cons Nuclear Disaster
Nuclear Technology - Cons Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Technology - Cons Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Technology Demands Responsibility Safeguard nuclear material Safe, clean disposal Protect the environment for future generations
It’s up to you to make the decisions for the future!
Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Rays Chapter 15.2
Radioactive elements emit 3 different types of particles alpha beta gamma α β γ
α particles are positively charged β particles are negatively charged γ particles are neutral
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α particles are He nuclei
α particles are Helium nuclei
α particles Relatively low speed Eventually become HE Easy to shield against Can’t go through paper or clothing
β particles are electrons Neutrons “decay” Produce a proton and electron
β particles Faster than α particles Can penetrate paper and clothes Can penetrate and damage skin Can not penetrate denser material like aluminum
γ (gamma) rays are pure energy Gamma rays have more energy than visible light, UV light or X-rays
γ (gamma) rays Can easily penetrate and damage living tissue Can penetrate most materials – except lead
Let’s Compare Penetrating Power
γ (gamma) rays can help preserve food
Question Pretend you are given three radioactive rocks. One is an alpha emitter, one is a beta emitter and one is a gamma emitter and you know which is which.
Question You can throw one away. Of the other two, you must hold one in your hand and place one in your shirt pocket.
Question What can you do to minimize your exposure?
Answer Hold the alpha emitter in your hand. The skin on your hand will shield you.
Answer Put the beta emitter in your pocket. The combined thickness of you skin and clothing should shield you from the beta emissions.
Answer THROW AWAY THE GAMMA EMITTER! Because it would penetrate your body from any of these locations.
Answer In a perfect world…… Distance yourself from all the rocks!.
Environmental Radiation Chapter 15.3
Most radiation we encounter originates in nature Common rocks and minerals
Which family is exposed to more radiation? The one living in a Brick house? Or the one living in a wooden house?
More radiation exposure Naturally Occurring
Radon A Common Source of Radiation Radon
Heavy, inert gas Arises from uranium deposits
Is Radon Dangerous? According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
How radon produces cancer
Levels vary with geology
You can check radon levels with a test kit
High levels require action
Here’s another interesting question….
Which is a greater source of radiation? Coal CombustionNuclear power
The Coal Industry! Global combustion of coal releases about 13,000 tons of radioactive thorium and uranium into the atmosphere. In addition to other polluting molecules released into the air.
Worldwide they generate about 10,000 tons of radioactive waste each year Almost all the waste is contained and not released into the atmosphere. Nuclear plants
RADIATION DAMAGE TO THE BODY
Remember Most of the radiation we receive is from natural sources and medical procedures
The human body itself is a source of radiation!
The radiation comes from the potassium we eat.
Our bodies contain about 200 mg K ≈ 180 mg other K isotopes ≈ 20 mg K 40 *radioactive * β emitter
Between every heartbeat… ≈ 5000 K 40 undergo spontaneous radioactive decay!
Radiation is everywhere!
Radiation can cause damage to cells
Radiation can cause serious burns and hair loss
Cells can repair radiation damage if it is not too severe
Radiation can damage DNA
Radiation can damage DNA resulting in cancer
High doses of radiation can damage DNA resulting hereditary birth defects
Common sense Avoid radiation when possible All radiation can not be avoided Most is simply part of nature
HALF- LIFE Chapter 15.5
Radioactive isotopes decay at different rates Measured in terms of a characteristic time “Half-life”
Half-life The time needed for half the radioactive atoms of a radioactive material to decay
Radium (Ra 226 ) Half life = 1620 years
Half lives are constant Not affected by external conditions Some are less than 1/1,000,000 sec Some are much longer
Uranium Half life = 4.5 billion years In 4.5 billion years, half the uranium on earth will be lead!
ISOTOPIC DATING
Cosmic rays constantly bombard the atmosphere Radioactive C 14 is ultimately produced.
14 C 14 CO 2 O2O2 O2O2 Carbon dioxide takes C 14 into the food cycle
Animals eat the plants so all animals have some C 14 in them
…..so all living things on Earth contain some C 14
After death C 12 remains constant The amount of C 14 decreases
Scientists can use this information to determine the age of carbon containing artifacts Carbon-14 Dating
C-14 dating can only be used on something that was previously alive
Scientists use the elements lead (Pb) and Uranium (U) to date rocks samples.
Meteor crater, Arizona Meteor Crater Video -- Killer Asteroid -- National Geographic