Chapter 21: Problem 59
Why is strontium-90 a particularly dangerous isotope for humans?
Chapter 21: Problem 59
Why is strontium-90 a particularly dangerous isotope for humans?
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Get started for freeWrite complete nuclear equations for these processes: (a) tritium, \({ }^{3} \mathrm{H},\) undergoes \(\beta\) decay; \((\mathrm{b}){ }^{242} \mathrm{Pu}\) undergoes \(\alpha\) -particle emission; \((\mathrm{c})^{131} \mathrm{I}\) undergoes \(\beta\) decay; (d) \(^{251} \mathrm{Cf}\) emits an \(\alpha\) particle.
To detect bombs that may be smuggled onto airplanes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will soon require all major airports in the United States to install thermal neutron analyzers. The thermal neutron analyzer will bombard baggage with low-energy neutrons, converting some of the nitrogen- 14 nuclei to nitrogen- \(15,\) with simultaneous emission of \(\gamma\) rays. Because nitrogen content is usually high in explosives, detection of a high dosage of \(\gamma\) rays will suggest that a bomb may be present. (a) Write an equation for the nuclear process. (b) Compare this technique with the conventional X-ray detection method.
The radioactive isotope \({ }^{238} \mathrm{Pu},\) used in pacemakers, decays by emitting an alpha particle with a half-life of 86 yr. (a) Write an equation for the decay process. (b) The energy of the emitted alpha particle is \(9.0 \times 10^{-13} \mathrm{~J}\), which is the energy per decay. Assume that all the alpha particle energy is used to run the pacemaker, calculate the power output at \(t=0\) and \(t=10 \mathrm{yr}\). Initially \(1.0 \mathrm{mg}\) of \({ }^{238} \mathrm{Pu}\) was present in the pacemaker (Hint: After \(10 \mathrm{yr}\), the activity of the isotope decreases by 8.0 percent. Power is measured in watts or \(\mathrm{J} / \mathrm{s}\).).
Explain why achievement of nuclear fusion in the laboratory requires a temperature of about 100 million degrees Celsius, which is much higher than that in the interior of the sun (15 million degrees Celsius).
For each pair of isotopes listed, predict which one is less stable: (a) \({ }_{3}^{6} \mathrm{Li}\) or \({ }_{3}^{9} \mathrm{Li},\) (b) \({ }_{11}^{23} \mathrm{Na}\) or \({ }_{11}^{25} \mathrm{Na},\) (c) \({ }_{20}^{48} \mathrm{Ca}\) or \({ }_{21}^{48} \mathrm{Sc}\).
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