Elements, radioactive
Radioactive Elements
[[File:[[File:|frameless]]|frameless|alt=]]
Pronunciation | |
---|---|
Appearance | |
Atomic number (Z) | |
Group | [[Group element|]] |
Period | [[Period element|]] |
Block | |
Category | [[Radioactive element]] |
Atomic weight | (std) |
Electron configuration | |
Electrons per shell |
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Radioactive elements are a class of chemical elements that exhibit radioactivity, a process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This radiation can be in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. Radioactive elements are found naturally in the environment and can also be artificially produced in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators.
Properties of Radioactive Elements[edit | edit source]
Radioactive elements are characterized by their unstable isotopes, which undergo radioactive decay. This decay process transforms the original element into a different element or a different isotope of the same element. The rate of decay is measured by the element's half-life, which is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
Types of Radiation[edit | edit source]
- Alpha radiation: Consists of helium nuclei and is the least penetrating form of radiation. It can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin.
- Beta radiation: Consists of high-energy electrons or positrons and can penetrate further than alpha particles but can be stopped by a layer of clothing or a few millimeters of a substance like aluminum.
- Gamma radiation: Consists of high-energy photons and is the most penetrating form of radiation. It requires dense materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete to be effectively blocked.
Occurrence[edit | edit source]
Radioactive elements occur naturally in the Earth's crust, oceans, and atmosphere. Some of the most well-known naturally occurring radioactive elements include uranium, thorium, and radon. These elements are part of the uranium series, thorium series, and actinium series, which are decay chains that eventually lead to stable isotopes.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Radioactive elements have a wide range of applications in various fields:
- Medicine: Radioactive isotopes are used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy. For example, iodine-131 is used in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Energy: Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are used as fuel in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
- Industry: Radioactive isotopes are used in industrial radiography to inspect metal parts and welds for defects.
- Research: Radioactive tracers are used in biological research to study metabolic pathways and other processes.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
Exposure to radioactive elements can have significant health effects. The type and severity of these effects depend on the type of radiation, the dose, and the duration of exposure. High doses of radiation can cause radiation sickness, cancer, and genetic mutations. It is important to follow safety guidelines and use protective measures when handling radioactive materials.
Safety and Regulation[edit | edit source]
The use and disposal of radioactive elements are strictly regulated by national and international agencies to protect human health and the environment. Agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) set standards and guidelines for the safe handling, transport, and disposal of radioactive materials.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Radioactive elements play a crucial role in modern science and technology, offering benefits in medicine, energy, and industry. However, their use requires careful management to minimize risks to health and the environment.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD