Radioactivity

• Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves, a process known as radioactive decay.
• The emitted particles or waves are known as ionizing radiation because they can ionize atoms or molecules by removing tightly bound electrons, creating charged particles (ions).

Units of Radioactivity

• Becquerel (Bq): The SI unit of radioactivity, representing one nuclear decay per second.
• Curie (Ci): An older unit where 1 Ci equals 3.7 × 10¹⁰ Bq.
• These units measure the rate of radioactive decay, not the absorbed or equivalent dose.

Applications of Radioactivity

1. Nuclear Power Generation

   • Nuclear reactors use the energy released from the controlled decay of radioactive isotopes like uranium-235 and plutonium-239 to produce electricity.

2. Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

   • Radiopharmaceuticals containing radioisotopes are used in nuclear medicine for imaging and treating various diseases.

3. Archaeological and Geological Dating

   • Radioactive decay is used to determine the age of materials, such as carbon-14 dating for organic matter and potassium-argon dating for rocks.

4. Industrial Applications

   • Radioactive isotopes are employed in industries for measuring material thickness, detecting leaks, and sterilizing equipment.

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