by Group 7
Radioactivity: What it is and its effects on the environment and health
In this section of the website, we will talk about Radioactivity itself, explain its basics and its theory, the story behind it, which we will talk about important figures like Marie Curie and her importance to this topic and to science in general, we will discuss about the importance of radioactivity in medicine and its applications, and last but not least we would talk about the impacts of radioactivity on the environment and its problems. We will of course include our chosen english themes which are Sharing Responsibilities – Environmental Issues and Minorities – Visibility of every voice.
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The discovery and study of Radioactivity provided to the human being, the use of Radiation itself in very diverse areas of interest and benefit to Mankind; like in medicine, in the industrial use, and in agriculture. The study and the research of some scientists to unravel the mysteries and properties of the atom caused some discoveries to be done and led to previously unimaginable results, which is why Radioactivity is very important. In this project, the definition of Radioactivity, its story and its effects on the environment and on health have been explored and explained.
The study and the research of it caused some discoveries to be done and led to previously unimaginable results; one example of it is Roentgen, who discovered X rays. Rutherford, on the other hand, discovered some different radiations, while other scientists like Becquerel, Marie Curie and Pierre discovered atoms capable of eliminating energy in the form of radiation. Thus, the study of Radioactivity was started; but that is for later on.
But what is exactly Radioactivity?
When we think in Radioactivity, our first thought of it is probably related to explosions; well is something like that.
Basically when a nucleus isn’t stable, he turns itself in another nucleus that is more stable due to the emission of particles or due to electromagnetic radiation. This phenomenon in specific is called Radioactivity or Radioactive decay. Of more than 2500 known nuclides, only about 250 are stable. So, the majority of them are therefore radioactive.
When an unstable nuclide turns into a more stable one, within the process of radioactive decay, there may be emission of alpha, beta or gamma particles. Each one of these particles has their own properties which will be explained later on.
From now on, this project divides itself in four categories, so what do you want too see first?
