Radioactivity is an emission of gamma particles

In summary, the term "radioactive" is derived from the Latin word for "root" as well as the word "radiate." It was first used in Marie Curie's report about the discovery of polonium, a radioactive element. The different types of radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma particles, were named by Ernest Rutherford. This term is also related to the element radium.
  • #1
enigma
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
1,757
17
This may be a dumb question:

What is it about radioactivity that caused them to name it "radioactive"?

All I was taught was that radioactivity is an emission of gamma particles, beta particles, or alpha particles. I don't remember anything about radio wavelength photons.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Something which is sent out

is said to be radiated. It comes from the Latin word for root, as does the word radical.
 
  • #3
The word "radioactive" first appeared in Marie Curie's report about the discovery of polonium. I can't find this report on the net, maybe you'll be more lucky. I guess it comes from radiation...
http://www.pa.msu.edu/~brock/d0_homepage/physics-posted/period_surprises.html [Broken]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4


Originally posted by Tyger
is said to be radiated.

Ah! That makes sense.

"Radiate" not "Radio"

Thanks
 
  • #5


Originally posted by enigma
Ah! That makes sense.

"Radiate" not "Radio"

Thanks

Of course "radio" comes from radiate too. The station radiates its electromagnetic signal, and your radio receiver picks it up.

One of the forms of radioactive radiation is electromagnetic like radio waves and light (but much shorter in wave length). This is gamma radiation. Other forms of radioactivity are

Alpha particles (helium nuclei)
Beta particles (electrons)
Neutrons

The alpha, beta, and gamma names were thought up by Ernest Rutherford, a great experimantal physicist of the early 20th century. He worked at a time when they couldn't tell what the different kinbds of radiation were.
 
  • #6
someone call?
 
  • #7
It all comes from the Latin word 'radical' as into radiate. That's also how the element radium got its name.
 

What is radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atoms emit particles or waves in order to become more stable. This emission can take the form of alpha, beta, or gamma particles.

What are gamma particles?

Gamma particles, also known as gamma rays, are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay. They have no mass or charge and are the most penetrating form of radiation.

How are gamma particles different from alpha and beta particles?

Gamma particles differ from alpha and beta particles in terms of their mass, charge, and penetrating ability. Alpha particles are positively charged and have a relatively large mass, making them less penetrating than gamma particles. Beta particles are negatively charged and have a smaller mass than alpha particles, making them more penetrating than alpha particles but less than gamma particles.

What are the uses of gamma particles?

Gamma particles have various medical and industrial uses. In medicine, they are used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells. In industry, they are used to sterilize equipment and food products. They are also used in imaging techniques such as gamma cameras and PET scans.

Are gamma particles harmful to humans?

Exposure to high levels of gamma particles can be harmful to humans as they have the ability to penetrate and damage living cells. However, low levels of exposure are generally not harmful and are even used in medical treatments. It is important to follow proper safety measures when working with gamma particles to minimize potential harm.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
12
Views
3K
Back
Top