he Nucleus of an Atom
Natural Radioactivity
The Concept of Radioactivity
Explain the concept of radioactivity
Radioactive
decay, also known as nuclear decay or radioactivity, is the process by
which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionising
radiation.
decay, also known as nuclear decay or radioactivity, is the process by
which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionising
radiation.
A
material that spontaneously emits such radiation ā which includes alpha
particles, beta particles, gamma rays and conversion electrons ā is
considered radioactive.
material that spontaneously emits such radiation ā which includes alpha
particles, beta particles, gamma rays and conversion electrons ā is
considered radioactive.
Radioactive
decay is a stochastic (i.e. random) process at the level of single
atoms, in that, according to quantum theory, it is impossible to predict
when a particular atom will decay.
decay is a stochastic (i.e. random) process at the level of single
atoms, in that, according to quantum theory, it is impossible to predict
when a particular atom will decay.
The
chance that a given atom will decay never changes, that is, it does not
matter how long the atom has existed. For a large collection of atoms
however, the decay rate for that collection can be calculated from their
measured decay constants or half-lives. The half-lives of radioactive
atoms have no known limits for shortness or length of duration, and
range over 55 orders of magnitude in time.
chance that a given atom will decay never changes, that is, it does not
matter how long the atom has existed. For a large collection of atoms
however, the decay rate for that collection can be calculated from their
measured decay constants or half-lives. The half-lives of radioactive
atoms have no known limits for shortness or length of duration, and
range over 55 orders of magnitude in time.
Properties of the Radiations Emitted by Radio-active Substances
Describe properties of the radiations emitted by radio-active substances
There
are many types of radioactive decay . A decay, or loss of energy,
results when an atom with one type of nucleus, called the parent
radionuclide (or parent radioisotope), transforms into an atom with
anucleus in a different state, or with a nucleus containing a different
number of protons and neutrons. The product is called the daughter
nuclide. In some decays, the parent and the daughter nuclides are
different chemical elements, and thus the decay process results in the
creation of an atom of a different element. This is known as a nuclear
transmutation.
are many types of radioactive decay . A decay, or loss of energy,
results when an atom with one type of nucleus, called the parent
radionuclide (or parent radioisotope), transforms into an atom with
anucleus in a different state, or with a nucleus containing a different
number of protons and neutrons. The product is called the daughter
nuclide. In some decays, the parent and the daughter nuclides are
different chemical elements, and thus the decay process results in the
creation of an atom of a different element. This is known as a nuclear
transmutation.
The Nuclear Changes due to the Emission of Alpha (ā8cāb1), Beta (ā8cuc0u8804 ) and Gamma (ā8cu8805 ) Radiations
Explain the nuclear changes due to the emission of Alpha (ā8cāb1), Beta (ā8cuc0u8804 ) and Gamma (ā8cu8805 ) radiations
Properties of Alpha Rays
- Alpha rays or alpha particles are theĀ positively chargedĀ particles.
- Alpha
particles have the least penetration power. They cannot penetrate the
skin but this does not mean that they are not dangerous. - Since
they have a great ionisation power, so if they get into the body they
can cause serious damage. They have the ability of ionising numerous
atoms a short distance. It is due to this reason that the radioactive
substance that releases alpha particles needs to be handled with rubber
gloves. It should not be inhaled, eaten or allowed near open cuts.
Properties of Beta Rays.
- Beta particles areĀ highly energetic electronsĀ which are released from inside of a nucleus.
- They are negatively charged and have a negligible mass.
- Beta particles have a greater penetration power than the alpha particles and can easily travel through the skin.
- Though
beta particles have less ionisation power than the alpha particles but
still they are dangerous and so their contact with the body must be
avoided.
Properties of Gamma Rays
- They have greatest power of penetration.
- They are the least ionizing but most penetrating and it is extremely difficult to stop them from entering the body.
- These rays carry huge amount of energy and can even travel through thin lead and thick concrete.
The Detection of ā8cāb1, ā8cuc0u8804 and ā8cu8805 Radiations
Explain the detection of ā8cāb1, ā8cuc0u8804 and ā8cu8805 radiations
Geiger Counter, with Geiger-Mueller (GM) Tube or Probe
A
GM tube is a gas-filled device that, when a high voltage is applied,
creates an electrical pulse when radiation interacts with the wall or
gas in the tube. These pulses are converted to a reading on the
instrument meter.
GM tube is a gas-filled device that, when a high voltage is applied,
creates an electrical pulse when radiation interacts with the wall or
gas in the tube. These pulses are converted to a reading on the
instrument meter.
If
the instrument has a speaker, the pulses also give an audible click.
Common readout units are roentgens per hour (R/ hr), milliroentgens per
hour (mR/hr), rem per hour (rem/hr), millirem per hour (mrem/hr), and
counts per minute (cpm).
the instrument has a speaker, the pulses also give an audible click.
Common readout units are roentgens per hour (R/ hr), milliroentgens per
hour (mR/hr), rem per hour (rem/hr), millirem per hour (mrem/hr), and
counts per minute (cpm).
GM
probes (e.g., āpancakeā type) are most often used with handheld
radiation survey instruments for contamination measurements. However,
energy-compensated GM tubes may be employed for exposure measurements.
probes (e.g., āpancakeā type) are most often used with handheld
radiation survey instruments for contamination measurements. However,
energy-compensated GM tubes may be employed for exposure measurements.
Further,
often the meters used with a GM probe will also accommodate other
radiation-detection probes. For example, a zinc sulfide (ZnS)
scintillator probe, which is sensitive to just alpha radiation, is often
used for field measurements where alpha-emitting radioactive materials
need to be measured.
often the meters used with a GM probe will also accommodate other
radiation-detection probes. For example, a zinc sulfide (ZnS)
scintillator probe, which is sensitive to just alpha radiation, is often
used for field measurements where alpha-emitting radioactive materials
need to be measured.
Spark counter
This
consists of a fine metal gauze mounted about a millimetre away from a
thin wire.A voltage is applied between the two so that sparking takes
place between them ā this usually requires some 4000 ā 5000 V. The
voltage is then reduced until sparking just stops.
consists of a fine metal gauze mounted about a millimetre away from a
thin wire.A voltage is applied between the two so that sparking takes
place between them ā this usually requires some 4000 ā 5000 V. The
voltage is then reduced until sparking just stops.
If
an alpha-source is brought up close to the gauze it will ionise the
air, and sparks will occur between the gauze and wire. With beta and
gamma sources insufficient ions are usually produced for sparking to
take place.The spark counter can be used to measure the range of
alpha-particles.
an alpha-source is brought up close to the gauze it will ionise the
air, and sparks will occur between the gauze and wire. With beta and
gamma sources insufficient ions are usually produced for sparking to
take place.The spark counter can be used to measure the range of
alpha-particles.
Cloud chamber
The cloud chamber, also known as the Wilson chamber, is a particle detector used for detecting ionising radiation.
Rare
picture shows in a single shot the 4 particles that we can detect in a
cloud chamber: proton, electron, muon (probably) and alpha. In its most
basic form, a cloud chamber is a sealed environment containing a
supersaturated vapor of water or alcohol.
picture shows in a single shot the 4 particles that we can detect in a
cloud chamber: proton, electron, muon (probably) and alpha. In its most
basic form, a cloud chamber is a sealed environment containing a
supersaturated vapor of water or alcohol.
When
a charged particle (for example, an alpha or beta particle) interacts
with the mixture, the fluid is ionized. The resulting ions act as
condensation nuclei, around which a mist will form (because the mixture
is on the point of condensation).
a charged particle (for example, an alpha or beta particle) interacts
with the mixture, the fluid is ionized. The resulting ions act as
condensation nuclei, around which a mist will form (because the mixture
is on the point of condensation).
The
high energies of alpha and beta particles mean that a trail is left,
due to many ions being produced along the path of the charged particle.
These tracks have distinctive shapes (for example, an alpha particleās
track is broad and shows more evidence of deflection by collisions,
while an electronās is thinner and straight).
high energies of alpha and beta particles mean that a trail is left,
due to many ions being produced along the path of the charged particle.
These tracks have distinctive shapes (for example, an alpha particleās
track is broad and shows more evidence of deflection by collisions,
while an electronās is thinner and straight).
When
any uniform magnetic field is applied across the cloud chamber,
positively and negatively charged particles will curve in opposite
directions, according to the Lorentz force law with two particles of
opposite charge.
any uniform magnetic field is applied across the cloud chamber,
positively and negatively charged particles will curve in opposite
directions, according to the Lorentz force law with two particles of
opposite charge.
Other devices used to detect radiation include:
- Photographic film
- Bubble chamber
- Gold-leaf electroscope
Half-Life as Applied to a Radioactive Substance
Describe half-life as applied to a radioactive substance
Half
life can be defined as the time taken for the number of nuclei in a
radioactive material to halve. It can also be defined as the time taken
for the count rate of a sample of radioactive material to fall to half
of its starting level.
life can be defined as the time taken for the number of nuclei in a
radioactive material to halve. It can also be defined as the time taken
for the count rate of a sample of radioactive material to fall to half
of its starting level.
The
count rate is measured by using an instrument called a Geiger-Muller
tube over a period of time. A Geiger-Muller tube detects radiations by
absorbing the radiation and converting it into an electrical pulse which
triggers a counter and is displayed as a count rate.
count rate is measured by using an instrument called a Geiger-Muller
tube over a period of time. A Geiger-Muller tube detects radiations by
absorbing the radiation and converting it into an electrical pulse which
triggers a counter and is displayed as a count rate.
The
release of radiation by unstable nuclei is called radioactive decay.
This process occurs naturally and cannot be influenced by chemical or
physical processes.
release of radiation by unstable nuclei is called radioactive decay.
This process occurs naturally and cannot be influenced by chemical or
physical processes.
The
release of radiation is also a random event and overtime the activity
of the radioactive material decreases. It is not possible to predict
when an individual nucleus in a radioactive material will decay.
release of radiation is also a random event and overtime the activity
of the radioactive material decreases. It is not possible to predict
when an individual nucleus in a radioactive material will decay.
But
it is possible to measure the time taken for half of the nuclei in a
radioactive material to decay. This is called the half life of
radioactive material or radioisotope.
it is possible to measure the time taken for half of the nuclei in a
radioactive material to decay. This is called the half life of
radioactive material or radioisotope.
The Half-Life of a Radioactive Element
Determine the half-life of a radioactive element
An exponential decay process can be described by any of the following three equivalent formulas:
where
- N0Ā is the initial quantity of the substance that will decay (this quantity may be measured in grams, moles, number of atoms, etc).
- N(t) is the quantity that still remains and has not yet decayed after a timeĀ t.
- t1ā2Ā is the half-life of the decaying quantity.
- Ļis a positive number called the mean lifetime of the decaying quantity.
- Ī»is a positive number called the decay constant of the decaying quantity.
Where ln (2) is the natural logarithm of 2 (approximately 0.693).
By
plugging in and manipulating these relationships, we get all of the
following equivalent descriptions of exponential decay, in terms of the
half-life:
plugging in and manipulating these relationships, we get all of the
following equivalent descriptions of exponential decay, in terms of the
half-life:
The Application of a Natural Radioactive Substances
Identify the applications of a natural radioactive Substances
Medical Uses
Hospitals,
doctors, and dentists use a variety of nuclear materials and procedures
to diagnose, monitor, and treat a wide assortment of metabolic
processes and medical conditions in humans. In fact, diagnostic x-rays
or radiation therapy have been administered to about 7 out of every 10
Americans. As a result, medical procedures using radiation have saved
thousands of lives through the detection and treatment of conditions
ranging from hyperthyroidism to bone cancer.
doctors, and dentists use a variety of nuclear materials and procedures
to diagnose, monitor, and treat a wide assortment of metabolic
processes and medical conditions in humans. In fact, diagnostic x-rays
or radiation therapy have been administered to about 7 out of every 10
Americans. As a result, medical procedures using radiation have saved
thousands of lives through the detection and treatment of conditions
ranging from hyperthyroidism to bone cancer.
The
most common of these medical procedures involves the use of x-rays ā a
type of radiation that can pass through our skin. When x-rayed, our
bones and other structures cast shadows because they are denser than our
skin, and those shadows can be detected on photographic film. The
effect is similar to placing a pencil behind a piece of paper and
holding the pencil and paper in front of a light. The shadow of the
pencil is revealed because most light has enough energy to pass through
the paper, but the denser pencil stops all the light. The difference is
that x-rays are invisible, so we need photographic film to āseeā them
for us. This allows doctors and dentists to spot broken bones and dental
problems.
most common of these medical procedures involves the use of x-rays ā a
type of radiation that can pass through our skin. When x-rayed, our
bones and other structures cast shadows because they are denser than our
skin, and those shadows can be detected on photographic film. The
effect is similar to placing a pencil behind a piece of paper and
holding the pencil and paper in front of a light. The shadow of the
pencil is revealed because most light has enough energy to pass through
the paper, but the denser pencil stops all the light. The difference is
that x-rays are invisible, so we need photographic film to āseeā them
for us. This allows doctors and dentists to spot broken bones and dental
problems.
X-rays
and other forms of radiation also have a variety of therapeutic uses.
When used in this way, they are most often intended to kill cancerous
tissue, reduce the size of a tumor, or reduce pain. For example,
radioactive iodine (specifically iodine-131) is frequently used to treat
thyroid cancer, a disease that strikes about 11,000 Americans every
year.
and other forms of radiation also have a variety of therapeutic uses.
When used in this way, they are most often intended to kill cancerous
tissue, reduce the size of a tumor, or reduce pain. For example,
radioactive iodine (specifically iodine-131) is frequently used to treat
thyroid cancer, a disease that strikes about 11,000 Americans every
year.
X-ray
machines have also been connected to computers in machines called
computerized axial tomography (CAT) or computed tomography (CT)
scanners. These instruments provide doctors with color images that show
the shapes and details of internal organs. This helps physicians locate
and identify tumors, size anomalies, or other physiological or
functional organ problems.
machines have also been connected to computers in machines called
computerized axial tomography (CAT) or computed tomography (CT)
scanners. These instruments provide doctors with color images that show
the shapes and details of internal organs. This helps physicians locate
and identify tumors, size anomalies, or other physiological or
functional organ problems.
In
addition, hospitals and radiology centers perform approximately 10
million nuclear medicine procedures in the United States each year. In
such procedures, doctors administer slightly radioactive substances to
patients, which are attracted to certain internal organs such as the
pancreas, kidney, thyroid, liver, or brain, to diagnose clinical
conditions.
addition, hospitals and radiology centers perform approximately 10
million nuclear medicine procedures in the United States each year. In
such procedures, doctors administer slightly radioactive substances to
patients, which are attracted to certain internal organs such as the
pancreas, kidney, thyroid, liver, or brain, to diagnose clinical
conditions.
Academic and Scientific Applications
Universities,
colleges, high schools, and other academic and scientific institutions
use nuclear materials in course work, laboratory demonstrations,
experimental research, and a variety of health physics applications. For
example, just as doctors can label substances inside peopleās bodies,
scientists can label substances that pass through plants, animals, or
our world. This allows researchers to study such things as the paths
that different types of air and water pollution take through the
environment. Similarly, radiation has helped us learn more about the
types of soil that different plants need to grow, the sizes of newly
discovered oil fields, and the tracks of ocean currents.
colleges, high schools, and other academic and scientific institutions
use nuclear materials in course work, laboratory demonstrations,
experimental research, and a variety of health physics applications. For
example, just as doctors can label substances inside peopleās bodies,
scientists can label substances that pass through plants, animals, or
our world. This allows researchers to study such things as the paths
that different types of air and water pollution take through the
environment. Similarly, radiation has helped us learn more about the
types of soil that different plants need to grow, the sizes of newly
discovered oil fields, and the tracks of ocean currents.
In
addition, researchers use low-energy radioactive sources in gas
chromatography to identify the components of petroleum products, smog
and cigarette smoke, and even complex proteins and enzymes used in
medical research.
addition, researchers use low-energy radioactive sources in gas
chromatography to identify the components of petroleum products, smog
and cigarette smoke, and even complex proteins and enzymes used in
medical research.
Archaeologists
also use radioactive substances to determine the ages of fossils and
other objects through a process called carbon dating. For example, in
the upper levels of our atmosphere, cosmic rays strike nitrogen atoms
and form a naturally radioactive isotope called carbon-14. Carbon is
found in all living things, and a small percentage of this is carbon-14.
When a plant or animal dies, it no longer takes in new carbon and the
carbon-14 that it accumulated throughout its life begins the process of
radioactive decay. As a result, after a few years, an old object has a
lower percent of radioactivity than a newer object. By measuring this
difference, archaeologists are able to determine the objectās
approximate age.
also use radioactive substances to determine the ages of fossils and
other objects through a process called carbon dating. For example, in
the upper levels of our atmosphere, cosmic rays strike nitrogen atoms
and form a naturally radioactive isotope called carbon-14. Carbon is
found in all living things, and a small percentage of this is carbon-14.
When a plant or animal dies, it no longer takes in new carbon and the
carbon-14 that it accumulated throughout its life begins the process of
radioactive decay. As a result, after a few years, an old object has a
lower percent of radioactivity than a newer object. By measuring this
difference, archaeologists are able to determine the objectās
approximate age.
Industrial Uses
We
could talk all day about the many and varied uses of radiation in
industry and not complete the list, but a few examples illustrate the
point. In irradiation, for instance, foods, medical equipment, and other
substances are exposed to certain types of radiation (such as x-rays)
to kill germs without harming the substance that is being disinfected ā
and without making it radioactive. When treated in this manner, foods
take much longer to spoil, and medical equipment (such as bandages,
hypodermic syringes, and surgical instruments) are sterilized without
being exposed to toxic chemicals or extreme heat. As a result, where we
now use chlorine ā a chemical that is toxic and difficult-to-handle ā we
may someday use radiation to disinfect our drinking water and kill the
germs in our sewage. In fact, ultraviolet light (a form of radiation) is
already used to disinfect drinking water in some homes.
could talk all day about the many and varied uses of radiation in
industry and not complete the list, but a few examples illustrate the
point. In irradiation, for instance, foods, medical equipment, and other
substances are exposed to certain types of radiation (such as x-rays)
to kill germs without harming the substance that is being disinfected ā
and without making it radioactive. When treated in this manner, foods
take much longer to spoil, and medical equipment (such as bandages,
hypodermic syringes, and surgical instruments) are sterilized without
being exposed to toxic chemicals or extreme heat. As a result, where we
now use chlorine ā a chemical that is toxic and difficult-to-handle ā we
may someday use radiation to disinfect our drinking water and kill the
germs in our sewage. In fact, ultraviolet light (a form of radiation) is
already used to disinfect drinking water in some homes.
Similarly,
radiation is used to help remove toxic pollutants, such as exhaust
gases from coal-fired power stations and industry. For example, electron
beam radiation can remove dangerous sulphur dioxides and nitrogen
oxides from our environment. Closer to home, many of the fabrics used to
make our clothing have been irradiated (treated with radiation) before
being exposed to a soil-releasing or wrinkle-resistant chemical. This
treatment makes the chemicals bind to the fabric, to keep our clothing
fresh and wrinkle-free all day, yet our clothing does not become
radioactive. Similarly, nonstick cookware is treated with gamma rays to
keep food from sticking to the metal surface.
radiation is used to help remove toxic pollutants, such as exhaust
gases from coal-fired power stations and industry. For example, electron
beam radiation can remove dangerous sulphur dioxides and nitrogen
oxides from our environment. Closer to home, many of the fabrics used to
make our clothing have been irradiated (treated with radiation) before
being exposed to a soil-releasing or wrinkle-resistant chemical. This
treatment makes the chemicals bind to the fabric, to keep our clothing
fresh and wrinkle-free all day, yet our clothing does not become
radioactive. Similarly, nonstick cookware is treated with gamma rays to
keep food from sticking to the metal surface.
The
agricultural industry makes use of radiation to improve food production
and packaging. Plant seeds, for example, have been exposed to radiation
to bring about new and better types of plants. Besides making plants
stronger, radiation can be used to control insect populations, thereby
decreasing the use of dangerous pesticides. Radioactive material is also
used in gauges that measure the thickness of eggshells to screen out
thin, breakable eggs before they are packaged in egg cartons. In
addition, many of our foods are packaged in polyethylene shrink-wrap
that has been irradiated so that it can be heated above its usual
melting point and wrapped around the foods to provide an airtight
protective covering.
agricultural industry makes use of radiation to improve food production
and packaging. Plant seeds, for example, have been exposed to radiation
to bring about new and better types of plants. Besides making plants
stronger, radiation can be used to control insect populations, thereby
decreasing the use of dangerous pesticides. Radioactive material is also
used in gauges that measure the thickness of eggshells to screen out
thin, breakable eggs before they are packaged in egg cartons. In
addition, many of our foods are packaged in polyethylene shrink-wrap
that has been irradiated so that it can be heated above its usual
melting point and wrapped around the foods to provide an airtight
protective covering.
All
around us, we see reflective signs that have been treated with
radioactive tritium and phosphorescent paint. Ionizing smoke detectors,
using a tiny bit of americium-241, keep watch while we sleep. Gauges
containing radioisotopes measure the amount of air whipped into our ice
cream, while others prevent spillover as our soda bottles are carefully
filled at the factory.
around us, we see reflective signs that have been treated with
radioactive tritium and phosphorescent paint. Ionizing smoke detectors,
using a tiny bit of americium-241, keep watch while we sleep. Gauges
containing radioisotopes measure the amount of air whipped into our ice
cream, while others prevent spillover as our soda bottles are carefully
filled at the factory.
Engineers
also use gauges containing radioactive substances to measure the
thickness of paper products, fluid levels in oil and chemical tanks, and
the moisture and density of soils and material at construction sites.
They also use an x-ray process, called radiography, to find otherwise
imperceptible defects in metallic castings and welds. Radiography is
also used to check the flow of oil in sealed engines and the rate and
way that various materials wear out. Well-logging devices use a
radioactive source and detection equipment to identify and record
formations deep within a bore hole (or well) for oil, gas, mineral,
groundwater, or geological exploration. Radioactive materials also power
our dreams of outer space, as they fuel our spacecraft and supply
electricity to satellites that are sent on missions to the outermost
regions of our solar system.
also use gauges containing radioactive substances to measure the
thickness of paper products, fluid levels in oil and chemical tanks, and
the moisture and density of soils and material at construction sites.
They also use an x-ray process, called radiography, to find otherwise
imperceptible defects in metallic castings and welds. Radiography is
also used to check the flow of oil in sealed engines and the rate and
way that various materials wear out. Well-logging devices use a
radioactive source and detection equipment to identify and record
formations deep within a bore hole (or well) for oil, gas, mineral,
groundwater, or geological exploration. Radioactive materials also power
our dreams of outer space, as they fuel our spacecraft and supply
electricity to satellites that are sent on missions to the outermost
regions of our solar system.
Nuclear Power Plants
Electricity
produced by nuclear fission ā splitting the atom ā is one of the
greatest uses of radiation. As our country becomes a nation of
electricity users, we need a reliable, abundant, clean, and affordable
source of electricity. We depend on it to give us light, to help us
groom and feed ourselves, to keep our homes and businesses running, and
to power the many machines we use. As a result, we use about one-third
of our energy resources to produce electricity.
produced by nuclear fission ā splitting the atom ā is one of the
greatest uses of radiation. As our country becomes a nation of
electricity users, we need a reliable, abundant, clean, and affordable
source of electricity. We depend on it to give us light, to help us
groom and feed ourselves, to keep our homes and businesses running, and
to power the many machines we use. As a result, we use about one-third
of our energy resources to produce electricity.
Electricity
can be produced in many ways ā using generators powered by the sun,
wind, water, coal, oil, gas, or nuclear fission. In America, nuclear
power plants are the second largest source of electricity (after
coal-fired plants) ā producing approximately 21 percent of our Nationās
electricity.
can be produced in many ways ā using generators powered by the sun,
wind, water, coal, oil, gas, or nuclear fission. In America, nuclear
power plants are the second largest source of electricity (after
coal-fired plants) ā producing approximately 21 percent of our Nationās
electricity.
The purpose of a nuclear power plant is to boil water to produce steam to power a generatorĀ to produce electricity.
While nuclear power plants have many similarities to other types of
plants that generate electricity, there are some significant
differences. With the exception of solar, wind, and hydroelectric
plants, power plants (including those that use nuclear fission) boil
water to produce steam that spins the propeller-like blades of a turbine
that turns the shaft of a generator. Inside the generator, coils of
wire and magnetic fields interact to create electricity. In these
plants, the energy needed to boil water into steam is produced either by
burning coal, oil, or gas (fossil fuels) in a furnace, or by splitting
atoms of uranium in a nuclear power plant. Nothing is burned or exploded
in a nuclear power plant. Rather, the uranium fuel generates heat
through a process called fission.
While nuclear power plants have many similarities to other types of
plants that generate electricity, there are some significant
differences. With the exception of solar, wind, and hydroelectric
plants, power plants (including those that use nuclear fission) boil
water to produce steam that spins the propeller-like blades of a turbine
that turns the shaft of a generator. Inside the generator, coils of
wire and magnetic fields interact to create electricity. In these
plants, the energy needed to boil water into steam is produced either by
burning coal, oil, or gas (fossil fuels) in a furnace, or by splitting
atoms of uranium in a nuclear power plant. Nothing is burned or exploded
in a nuclear power plant. Rather, the uranium fuel generates heat
through a process called fission.
Nuclear
power plants are fueled by uranium, which emits radioactive substances.
Most of these substances are trapped in uranium fuel pellets or in
sealed metal fuel rods. However, small amounts of these radioactive
substances (mostly gases) become mixed with the water that is used to
cool the reactor. Other impurities in the water are also made
radioactive as they pass through the reactor. The water that passes
through a reactor is processed and filtered to remove these radioactive
impurities before being returned to the environment. Nonetheless, minute
quantities of radioactive gases and liquids are ultimately released to
the environment under controlled and monitored conditions
power plants are fueled by uranium, which emits radioactive substances.
Most of these substances are trapped in uranium fuel pellets or in
sealed metal fuel rods. However, small amounts of these radioactive
substances (mostly gases) become mixed with the water that is used to
cool the reactor. Other impurities in the water are also made
radioactive as they pass through the reactor. The water that passes
through a reactor is processed and filtered to remove these radioactive
impurities before being returned to the environment. Nonetheless, minute
quantities of radioactive gases and liquids are ultimately released to
the environment under controlled and monitored conditions
The
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has established limits for the
release of radioactivity from nuclear power plants. Although the
effects of very low levels of radiation are difficult to detect, the
NRCās limits are based on the assumption that the publicās exposure to
man-made sources of radiation should be only a small fraction of the
exposure that people receive from natural background sources.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has established limits for the
release of radioactivity from nuclear power plants. Although the
effects of very low levels of radiation are difficult to detect, the
NRCās limits are based on the assumption that the publicās exposure to
man-made sources of radiation should be only a small fraction of the
exposure that people receive from natural background sources.
Experience
has shown that, during normal operations, nuclear power plants
typically release only a small fraction of the radiation allowed by the
NRCās established limits. In fact,Ā a person who spends a full
year at the boundary of a nuclear power plant site would receive an
additional radiation exposure of less than 1 percent of the radiation
that everyone receives from natural background sources. This
additional exposure, totaling about 1 millirem (a unit used in measuring
radiation absorption and its effects), has not been shown to cause any
harm to human beings.
has shown that, during normal operations, nuclear power plants
typically release only a small fraction of the radiation allowed by the
NRCās established limits. In fact,Ā a person who spends a full
year at the boundary of a nuclear power plant site would receive an
additional radiation exposure of less than 1 percent of the radiation
that everyone receives from natural background sources. This
additional exposure, totaling about 1 millirem (a unit used in measuring
radiation absorption and its effects), has not been shown to cause any
harm to human beings.
In agriculture
Radioisotopes
are used to induce mutations in plants in order to develop superior
varieties that are harder and more resistant to diseases.
are used to induce mutations in plants in order to develop superior
varieties that are harder and more resistant to diseases.
