Smoke dectors:
These simple everyday devices that save lives can easily be understood. An electrical current either from a battery or electrical connection conveys a small charge through Americanium-241 and to a censor. When smoke is encountered by the Americanium-241, the electrical current going to the sensor is reduced, and the alarm sounds due to the lower current. This to is why a low battery may cause the alarm to be set off.
Beta rays are used to pass through some substances, as well as the fact that beta rays have a long half life. A sensor is set on the other side of the object to determine how much of the ray is passing through. The greater the amount that passes through the thinner the substance.
This is similar to X-Rays, as the radiation passes through skin, but not the bones (or at lest not much). There is a film behind the person which captures the energy from the X-Ray and will in a way outline the bones.
Gama rays, which kill all cells, are aimed at the cancerous cells and kill any cells which are hit by the ray. Due to the fact that bad and good cells are killed, other methods of radiology are sometimes used such as in the case of lung cancer.
Nuclear Energy:
Power plants producing energy through unstable isotopes reacting with each other to power turbines and other various methods of converting isotopes energy to usable energy.
Like anything else, new ground starts with testing, some controversy has arisen due to these methods of testing. My own idea of this is that growth requires wise risk. One example of this controversy is the exposure to radiation and rays; especially those that kill cells.
Terms To Know
Half life:
The time taken by certain materials to lose half their strength. The time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive element to undergo decay. The time required for the elimination of one half a total dose from the body.
Angelo, Joseph A.. nuclear technology. Greenwood Press. 2004
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