Radioactivity
Audio Podcast Quiz 1: Fullscreen Mode Quiz 2: Fullscreen Mode Other note 1 source Other note 2 source 5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity ## Radioactivity Detection Radioactivity is the process of releasing radiation from an unstable atomic nucleus. We are all exposed to radiation from various sources every day. Let's discuss some important things about radioactivity: ## Background Radiation Sources Background radiation comes from a variety of sources, both natural and artificial: - Cosmic rays from the sun - Radon gas in the air - Radon-containing granite rocks - Potassium-40 in food - Medical procedures that use radioisotopes - Nuclear power plants and the rest of the nuclear bomb tests ## Ionization Effect Radiation can cause ionization, which is the process of releasing electrons from atoms or molecules. This can be evidenced by: Electroscope Experiments: - When a fire or radium source is brought close to a charged electroscope, the charge is los...
