-->Tracer- A radioactive element whose path can be followed through process or reaction. (ex. iodine-131)
-->Radioactive elements can also be used to treat cancer, not just find it.
-->Gamma Rays can be used to sterilize medical equipment. Gamma Rays- a form off light given off from a radioactive nuclei with a very high energy.
Industry- Radioactive isotopes can detect defects in structures, find weak spots in metal, and leaks in pipes. (Using a geiger counter) Again tracers are used in the process.
ex. Radiation is used to test the thickness of metal sheets as they are being made.
Electricity Generation-
**Nuclear Power Plants** click here to see a diagram
Uranium-235 undergoes a nuclear chain reaction. Then the energy is absorbed in a coolant, which is usually water, and then the water turns to steam. The steam turns a turbine and spins the generator. The generator then converts the energy into electricity.
Research-
Isotopes of radiation atoms are always being used in research.
new ways to treat diseases
new ways to help building structures
new ways to use nuclear energy without waste
and they're always trying to find new things about the isotopes themselves.
Hailf life- The amount of time it takes for 1/2 of the radioactive nuclei to decay.
Origional- Contaons all of the radioactive isotope.
Half Life- Half was decayed, half is unchanged.
2 Half Lives- 1/4 is unchanged.
3 Half Lives- 1/8 is unchanged.
Ex. Isotope.......................... Half Life
Uranium-238.....................4.5 billion years
Oxygen-21......................... 3.14 seconds
Hydrogen-3....................... 12.3 years
Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. Interactions of Matter. (book)
CASEnergy Coalition. Clean and safe energy. (http://www.cleansafeenergy.org/Portals/0/student-pwr.gif)
Nuclear Power of the Future. John Giacobello. 2003
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