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What is radioactivity? Name the three types of radiation associated with radioactive substances - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question a - 2011

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What is radioactivity? Name the three types of radiation associated with radioactive substances. Which is the most penetrating of these radiations? (i) Marie ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is radioactivity? Name the three types of radiation associated with radioactive substances - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question a - 2011

Step 1

What is radioactivity?

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Answer

Radioactivity is the spontaneous random decomposition (disintegration or decay) of the nuclei of an atom. This process occurs naturally as unstable atomic nuclei emit radiation in order to reach a more stable state.

Step 2

Name the three types of radiation associated with radioactive substances.

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Answer

The three types of radiation associated with radioactive substances are:

  1. Alpha (α) radiation
  2. Beta (β) radiation
  3. Gamma (γ) radiation

Step 3

Which is the most penetrating of these radiations?

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Answer

Among these types of radiation, gamma (γ) radiation is the most penetrating. It can pass through various materials, including human tissue, requiring dense materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete for effective shielding.

Step 4

Name both radioactive elements.

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Answer

The two radioactive elements isolated by Marie Curie are:

  1. Radium (Ra)
  2. Polonium (Po)

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