Inducible enzyme

Induced radioactivity is a process where a previously stable material becomes radioactive after exposure to specific types of radiation. This phenomenon was first discovered by Frederic Joliot-Curie and Irene Joliot-Curie in 1934, for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

History

Frederic Joliot-Curie and Irene Joliot-Curie, the daughter and son-in-law of Marie Curie, discovered induced radioactivity in 1934. They bombarded stable elements with alpha particles, which resulted in the elements becoming radioactive. This discovery was a significant advancement in the field of nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry, and it earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935.

Process

Induced radioactivity occurs when a stable nucleus absorbs a particle, such as a neutron, and becomes unstable. This unstable nucleus then decays, emitting radiation in the process. This is the principle behind the operation of nuclear reactors and the production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial uses.

The process of induced radioactivity can be represented by the following general equation:

A + b → C* → C + γ

where:

• A is the target nucleus
• b is the bombarding particle
• C* is the compound nucleus in an excited state
• C is the product nucleus
• γ is the emitted gamma radiation

Applications

Induced radioactivity has many applications in various fields such as medicine, industry, and research. In medicine, radioisotopes produced through induced radioactivity are used in radiation therapy and medical imaging. In industry, radioisotopes are used for material testing and tracing. In research, induced radioactivity is used in studies related to nuclear physics and chemistry.

Safety and Regulation

Due to the potential hazards associated with radiation, the use of induced radioactivity is strictly regulated by various international and national bodies. These include the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the United States.

See Also

• Radioactivity
• Nuclear Physics
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Nuclear Reactor
• Radiation Therapy
• Medical Imaging