Learn About Radioactivity

Because of nuclear instability, the nucleus of an atom is able to produce the phenomenon known as radioactivity. Because of the radiation that escapes from the unstable nucleus of an atom, energy is lost in an atom. It is held together by two forces: the electrostatic force of repulsion and the powerful magnetic forces of the nucleus, which act in concert to hold the nucleus together. When it comes to the natural environment, these two forces are considered to be extremely powerful. When the nucleus is concentrated, the likelihood of encountering instability increases as the size of the nucleus increases. This is because the mass of the nucleus becomes very large when it is concentrated. That is why the atoms of Plutonium and Uranium are extremely unstable and exhibit the characteristic of radioactivity.

Laws of Radioactivity

• Atomic decay produces radioactivity, which is a byproduct of this process.
• When it comes to nuclear decay, temperature and pressure have no effect on the rate of decay.
• The law of conservation of charge governs the behaviour of radioactive substances.
• The physical and chemical properties of the daughter nucleus are distinct from those of the mother nucleus, as shown in the diagram.
• Alpha, beta, and gamma particles are always present in the atmosphere when radioactive energy is released.
• The rate at which radioactive substances decay is determined by the number of atoms that are present at any given point in time.

Nuclear Radiation

As a result of the presence or deposition of radioactive materials in the atmosphere or environment, particularly when their presence is unintentional and when they pose a threat to the environment as a result of nuclear decay, it is referred to as radioactive pollution. It is the emission of hazardous ionizing radiation (radioactive decay) by radioactive materials, such as beta or alpha particles, gamma rays, or neurons in the environment where they are present, that causes the destruction.

The presence of radiation in the substances – as well as a high degree of particle instability in the radioactive materials – has the potential to cause significant damage, alteration, and even destruction of plant, animal, and human life. Radiation is a characteristic of radioactive materials. The amount of damage or danger posed to the environment is dependent on the concentration of radioactive materials present, the amount of energy emitted by the radiation, the proximity of the radioactive materials to those who are exposed, and the type of radiation used to cause the damage or danger. The following section provides a thorough explanation of the causes, effects, and solutions to radioactive pollution, among other things.

Various Factors Contributing to Radioactive Pollution

1. Nuclear accidents at nuclear power plants that generate electricity.

In the postmodern world, new forms of energy are being discovered in all shapes and sizes. Nuclear energy is one of these sources, and because of its high latent power, it is considered to be the most potent of all energy sources. According to reports, the high latent power is a result of the high level of radiation present.

2. The use of nuclear weapons as weapons of mass destruction is a serious concern (WMD)

The use of nuclear missiles and atomic bombs, both of which are forms of nuclear energy, during the Second World War explains not only the cause of radioactive pollution or contamination, but also the nature of the damage caused by radioactive pollution or contamination.

3. The use of radioactive isotopes

Radioisotopes are used in the production of detectors and in a variety of other industrial applications. Isotopes of uranium, for example, contain high concentrations of radioactive material. However, common radioactive isotopes such as carbon-containing radioactive material are easily detected in waterways due to the presence of sewage lines.

4. Mining 

Mining primarily entails the excavation of mineral ores, which are then broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces for transportation. Radium and uranium, for example, are naturally occurring radioactive elements in the environment and are equally dangerous.

Radioactive Pollution and Its Consequences

1. Genetic Mutations are a type of mutation.

When it comes to genetics, radiation can have negative consequences. It causes DNA strands to be damaged, which eventually results in the genetic breakdown of the organism. According to the amount and type of radiation one has been exposed to, the degree of genetic mutation that results in changes in DNA composition varies from one person to another.

2. Diseases 

Cancer is the most common disease associated with radiation exposure. It has grown in sophistication over time and now represents a significant threat to global health. Other complications include leukemia, anemia, hemorrhage, a reduction in lifespan, which results in premature aging and death, as well as others such as cardiovascular complications (heart attack or stroke). Radiation in the bone marrow, for example, can lead to leukemia in some people.

3. Infertility of the Soil

Because of the radiation’s exposure to the atmosphere, it is present in soils as well. It is possible that soil radioactive substances will react with the various nutrients and cause the destruction of those nutrients, thereby depleting the soil’s fertility and making it highly toxic and infertile.

4. Cell Death and Disintegration

Radioactive pollution has a variety of effects, including the alteration of cell structure and function. The bodies of living organisms are unique in that they contain millions of cells in a single body, each of which has a specific function to perform. Radiation causes cell distortion, which results in permanent damage to the various organs and organ systems exposed to it. When exposed to excessive radiation, long-term illnesses and death are unavoidable consequences.

Unit of radioactivity

The units of radioactivity are named after two scientists named Curie and Rutherford.

It is calculated that Curie and Rutherford have a relationship of 1C = 3.7 x104 Rd.

Uses of Radioactivity 

Some applications of radioactivity are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow.

• Known as an alpha emitter, americium-241 is used in the manufacture of domestic smoke detectors in the United States.
• In the chamber of the smoke detector, ionization of the air occurs as a result of the alpha particles released by the Americium sample, resulting in a small current flowing through the chamber.
• As soon as smoke enters the chamber, it causes a drop in current, which results in the alarm sounding. When in close proximity to one another, Alpha particles have a devastating effect, despite their short range.
• When swallowed, alpha emitters come into close contact with tissue and are lethal in such situations. As a result, radiation poisoning is used in assassination attempts to kill targets.

Radioactivity has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of radioactivity are:

• Gamma rays are used in radiotherapy to kill cancerous cells because of their ability to kill cancerous cells.
• Cobalt-60 is a radioactive element that is used to destroy cancerous cells.
• Gamma rays are used to scan the interior of the body, particularly the organs.
• Gamma rays kill microbes that are present in food and extend the shelf life of the food, preventing it from spoiling.
• By measuring the amount of argon present in the rock, radioactive radiations can be used to determine the age of the rocks studied.

The following are some of the disadvantages of radioactivity:

• A high dose of radioactive radiation absorbed by the body could result in death.
• Isotopes of radioactive elements are expensive.

CONCLUSION

Radioactivity is  the spontaneous disintegration of unstable atomic nuclei into other atomic nuclei, which results in the formation of more energetically stable atomic nuclei.Atomic decay produces radioactivity, which is a byproduct of this process.When it comes to nuclear decay, temperature and pressure have no effect on the rate of decay.when their presence is unintentional and when they pose a threat to the environment as a result of nuclear decay, it is referred to as radioactive pollution.Gamma rays are used to scan the interior of the body, particularly the organs.Gamma rays kill microbes that are present in food and extend the shelf life of the food, preventing it from spoiling.Isotopes of radioactive elements are expensive.