Transcript radiation

Ellen Corey
But Ma, I saw it in
the movies!!!!
All matter is in random motion
and emits energy.
What is the difference between
regular motion and radiation?
components of an atom are discharged at:
less than the speed of light, but lots faster
than normal molecular speed (particles)
at the speed of light (waves)
12
6
C
Protons (+) need neutrons to hold them together
65
30
Zn
Lighter elements: # of protons = # of neutrons
226
88
Ra
238
92
U
244
94
Pu
Heavier elements need more neutrons to
offset repulsion of + protons
A nucleus will rearrange its n:p ratio until
it is stable - particles are emitted
(radioactivity)
It glows
in the
dark
particles have mass:
protons, neutrons, electrons
waves have zero mass:
gamma rays
Blocking radiation absorption
does its damage
through
IONIZATION
A nucleus in search of electrons
Electrons
in search of
a nucleus
Gamma rays don’t search for anything,
they just destroy as they zoom along
GLYCINE—A SIMPLE AMINO ACID
g
g
b+
a
H
bg
+
b
N
b+
H
b-
b
H
b+
bC
a
H
b+
b+
a
O
b- C
g
g
b-
OH
a
g
a
RADIATION
destroys cells that reproduce quickly
Fast
moving
particles
and rays
produce
HEAT
a
b+
a
bg
Kazakhstan, U.S.S.R.
40 Years
of atmospheric
nuclear explosions
Accidents have
global
consequences
It glows
in the
dark
CONTROL
CONTROL
CONTROL
Radiation—a life saver