Scientists have known about radiation for over a hundred years. Back in 1896, Henri Bequerel found out that photographic plates that were covered were somehow exposed when placed near uranium. This suggested that there were particles that were able to penetrate and pass through solid objects. As scientists continued to study radioactivity, they discovered that there were, in fact, three different types of radiation, each one stronger than the one before. The three types were labeled Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Alpha radiation is the weakest of the three and can be stopped by minimal interference, such as the presence of a piece of paper. This is due to the fact that alpha radiation is essentially the nucleus of a helium atom: two protons and two neutrons. This big particle can be deflected by most matter. Beta radiation is stronger than Alpha in that it can penetrate more dense materials. It will easily pass through a sheet of paper because the particles emitted in the form of Beta radiation are simply electrons that are produced when a change takes place in the nucleus: a neutron becoming a proton. These particles can be stopped by denser materials such as Perspex. Gamma radiation is the most powerful and most penetrating of all of the types of radiation. Gamma radiation will very easily pass through paper or Perspex. A denser material is required to block Gamma radiation, and lead is often used for this purpose. A gamma ray is a high-energy photon with a very short wavelength, making it much more concentrated than a regular photon emitted from a light source. Gamma rays are given off when the shape of the nucleus undergoes a change, while the mass remains intact. This phenomenon is extremely useful to science for many different applications both constructive and destructive. Nuclear reactors and nuclear powered vehicles like submarines are made possible through radioactivity. In the medical field, nuclear sterilizing, nuclear medicine imaging, and the use of radioactive tracers are important breakthroughs in analyzing and treating patients. In addition, the monitoring of many industrial processes is also facilitated through radioactivity. Yes, radioactivity has its hazards, but given its many uses when handled properly, the world would be much poorer for not knowing its secrets. BC Technical ( http://www.bctechnical.com/ ) is about nuclear medicine imaging. For more info visit bctechnical.com
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