Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 28

Describe how nuclear chemistry can be used to detect an art forgery.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nuclear chemistry methods like Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Carbon-14 dating can be used to detect an art forgery. NAA allows us to identify the type of pigments and materials used in the artwork by irradiating it with neutrons and recording the decay. The detected elements are compared with known references to identify discrepancies. Radiocarbon dating can be used to determine the age of an artwork made of organic materials.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Neutron Activation Analysis

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) is a nuclear process used for determining the concentrations of elements in a vast amount of materials. NAA allows discrete sampling of elements as it disregards the chemical form of a sample, and focuses solely on its nucleus. The method is based on neutron activation and therefore requires a source of neutrons.
02

Applying NAA in Art Forgery Detection

In the context of art forgery detection, this technique allows us to verify the age and origin of artworks. It can help to identify the type of pigments and materials used in the artwork. By irradiating the artwork with neutrons, scientists are able to induce specific type of decay in the elements present. The gamma rays emitted by the decaying elements have distinct energies that serve as the 'fingerprint' of the specific elements present.
03

Comparing Detected Elements to Known Reference

Once the decay process is recorded and the gamma rays are detected, the elements’ identity and concentration can be determined. The observed elements and their quantities are then compared to the known references of materials used during the time period the art is purpoted to be from. Differences in the elements and their quantities can indicate that the piece is a forgery.
04

Radiocarbon Dating

Besides NAA, another nuclear chemistry method, Carbon-14 dating or radiocarbon dating, can also be effective in identifying the age of an artwork. Since living organisms continually exchange Carbon-14 with the atmosphere, the content of C-14 in the material of the artwork can be measured to determine the time of death of the used organism, for example, in case the artwork is made of organic materials like wood or ivory.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the combination of neutrons and protons in a nucleus known as?

What is the high-energy electromagnetic radiation produced by decaying nuclei?

Write the nuclear equation for the release of an alpha particle by \(_{70}^{157} \mathrm{Yb} .\)

It takes about \(10^{6}\) y for just half the samar- ium-149 in nature to decay by alpha-particle emission. Write the decay equation, and find the isotope that is produced by the reaction.

The half-life of one radon isotope is 3.8 days. If a sample of gas contains 4.38 g of radon-222, how much radon will remain in the sample after 15.2 days?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free