12.

Radioactivity
Unit (A) Atomic structure and Radioactivity
 6. Modern Physics
Radioactivity and changes in the nucleus; background radiation and safety
precautions.

Brief introduction (qualitative only) of the nucleus, nuclear structure, atomic

number (Z), mass number (A). Radioactivity as spontaneous disintegration. α,
β and γ - their nature and properties; changes within the nucleus. One
example each of α and β decay with equations showing changes in Z and A.
Uses of radioactivity - radio isotopes. Harmful effects. Safety precautions.
Background radiation.

Radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout from nuclear plants and other sources.

Nuclear Energy: working on safe disposal of waste. Safety measures to be

strictly reinforced.
In in unit we will learn:
Structure of the Atom and nucleus
Isotopes, isobars and isotones
Introduction to Radioactivity
Radioactivity as emission of Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiations
and their properties.
Changes in nucleus due to emission of radiations from nucleus.
Uses of Radioactivity and safety precautions while using
Nuclear Energy
Background Radiations
Discovery of sub-atomic particles:
1)The first sub-atomic particle to be discovered was Electron.
Sir J J Thompson showed that cathode rays were composed
of previously unknown negatively charged particles “Electron”.
He was able to do it using a Cathode Ray Tube.
2) The scattering experiment carried out by Rutherford led us
to understand the structure of an atom and its structure.
 Structure of an Atom
1)Atoms consist of three basic particles:
Protons (+vely charged), Electrons (-vely charged) and
Neutrons (no charge).
2)The small central part of it is composed of protons and
neutrons called nucleus and the electrons are found in
shells or orbit that surrounds the nucleus.
3)The size of the nucleus is m to m.
( i.e it is times the size of the atom or the size of
nucleus is very less than that of the atom).
4) The number of protons and electrons in an atom is equal
 The total number of protons
(which is equal to number of
electrons) in the nucleus of the
atom is called atomic number. It
is denoted by Z.

Structure of
nucleus
Total number of protons
and neutrons, also called
nucleons, is called mass
number . It is denoted by
A.
Examples to explain the structure of atom:
1) Element: Sodium Symbol :
Atomic number (Z) = Total number of Protons (p) = Total number of Electrons (e)= 11
Number of nucleons = Mass number (A) = (p) + (n) = 23

or number of neutron = 12
2) Find the number of protons , electrons and neutrons in the

Carbon ( ).
Ans: Atomic number (Z) = 6 Number of p = Number of electrons = 6
Number of nucleons = Mass number (A) = (p) + (n) = 14
 Radioactivity:
1) It is a nuclear phenomenon.
2) Def: It is the process of spontaneous emission of alpha ( α ), beta ( β ) and gamma ( γ )
radiations from the nucleus of atoms during their decay.
3) The substances which decay by spontaneous emission of radiations are called Radioactive
Substances. Ex: Radium, Polonium, Thorium etc.
4) This phenomenon results in change in the number of nucleons inside the nucleus of the atom.
5) All substances or elements does not show this phenomenon.
6) Radioactivity only takes places :
a) when number of neutrons are much more than the number of protons in an atom i.e in
unstable or radioactive isotopes.
b) when atomic number is greater than 82 .
Difference between nuclear change and chemical change:

Chemical change Nuclear change

1. There is a change in the orbital 1. There is a change in the number
electrons of the atom of nucleon inside the nucleus of an
atom.

2. The energy required for this 2. The energy required for this
change is in the order of a few eV. change is in the order of a few MeV

3. The total sum of the of mass 3. The atomic number and mass
number of reactant is equal to sum number remain the same in these
of mass number of the product in reactions
these reactions
Study of the kind of radiations in Radioactivity:
 On subjecting the radiations to a electric field the radiations given out by a
radioactive substance separate out into three constituent.
 Following conclusion made from the observations:
i) Three types of radiations emitted namely α , β and γ.
 α (alpha)- radiation deflects towards –ve plate hence it is
positively charged
 β (beta)-radiation deflects towards +ve plate hence it is
negatively charged
 γ (gamma)- radiation remains undeflected it has to be a neutral radiation.
iii) Since β –radiation deflects more than α –radiation, β is lighter than α.
iv) On placing a photographic plate in the path of the radiation it is observed that
the area where γ radiation strike produces the brightest spot whereas α –
radiation the least brightest proving γ has the maximum penetration power
 Radiation subjected to magnetic field:
When the radiation emitted during Radioactivity is subjected to a magnetic
field the following conclusions made:
Radiations separates into three constituent radiations.
Distinction between the properties of α , β and γ radiations:
Property α -Particle β - Particle γ - Radiations

1.Charge Positively charged Negatively charged Neutral

2. Speed

3. Nature Energetic electrons electromagnetic

radiations of high
energy
4. Effect of Less deflected Deflects more than Unaffected
Electric and alpha particle in
Magnetic field opposite direction

5. Ionizing 10000 times more than γ 100 times more than Minimum
power (Maximum) γ(Medium)

6. Penetrating Minimum 100 times less than 10000 times less than γ
power γ(Medium) (Maximum)

7. Biological Less damage More damage Immense damage

Damage
Changes within the nucleus due to α ,β and
γ

 The resulting nucleus has 2 protons and

2 neutrons (4 nucleons) less than the
original (or parent ) nucleus.

Example of
 The number of nucleons remain the same
but the number of neutrons is decreased by
1 and number of proton increases by 1.
The product formed is an isobar.
An electron is given out from the nucleus
as neutron which is a neutral particle
changes into proton by emitting an
Example of β electron.

(neutron) (proton) (electron) (anti- neutrino)

In a single emission both alpha and beta
emission cannot take place. Either one will
take place , which may be accompanied
with γ –emission.
γ – emission:

The parent nucleus is in excited state i.e it

has excess of energy. This excess energy is
released in the form of electromagnetic
radiations called γ – emission.
Example of
 Radio-isotopes and its uses:
• Def: They are isotopes of some elements with atomic number Z < 82 are found to be
radioactive.
• They find vital use in: i) Medicine ii) Scientific and iii) Industrial field
Co- 60 in radiation therapy to treat Cancer.
Medicine Na-24 to study blood circulation.
I-131 to locate brain tumors, liver and thyroid activity.

α – particle emitted from radio-isotopes used as projectile for nuclear reactions

Used to study the growth of plants.
Scientific
C -14 use to know the age of rocks , buried plants. The process is
use called carbon dating

Oil and gas line leaks are detected using them.

Industrial To control the thickness of paper, plastic and metal sheets.
use Used in making luminescent signs.
HARMFUL EFFECTS AND SAFETY PRECAUTION
Sources of harmful Radiations:
Main source of harmful radiations are:
1) Radioactive fall out from nuclear power plant
2) Nuclear waste
3) Cosmic radiations and X-rays
1) Radioactive fall out from the nuclear power plants:
• Nuclear power plants is a major source of electricity. But a large amount of radioactive
material and radiation will escape out if there is an accident in the reactor affecting the human,
flora and fauna around the vicinity.

• Safety measures while establishing nuclear plant:

i) Ensure the people are not exposed to radiations.
ii) Reactor should be shielded with lead and steel wall to
prevent radiations from escaping.
iii) Reactor should be housed in a air tight building of strong
concrete structure.
iv) Back-up cooling system should be there for the reactor
core to save it from melting or over heating.
Safety measures while handling radioactive material:
i) They should wear special lead lined aprons and gloves.
ii) Handle the radioactive materials with a long lead tong.
iii) Special film badges are used to know the amount of radiations to
which a particular person is exposed to.
2)Nuclear Waste:
Def: Radioactive material after its use is called nuclear waste.
Fuel rods rejected from nuclear power plants are still
radioactive and should not be dumped in open garbage
as it can contaminate the soil and water.
Safe disposal of nuclear waste:
Nuclear waste should be kept in thick casks and buried
in deep underground stores or unused mines.
These stores should be far from populated areas.
 BACKGROUND RADIATIONS:
Def: The radioactive radiations which we are exposed to even in the absence of an actual
radioactive source.
Sources:
a) Internal Source: Radioactive substances
such as K-40, C-14, Radium present inside
our body.
b) External Source: Cosmic rays, naturally
occurring elements such as radon-222 and
solar radiation.