Radioactive Nuclear Elements
Radioactive nuclear elements, also termed as radionuclides, are any form of atomic nucleus that loses energy over time due to the emission of high energy radiation. This radiation can be in the form of alpha, beta, gamma and neutron particles that are discharged from the nucleus simultaneously. Radioactive nuclear elements in the form of radiation can cause effects on living cells and organisms, but also provide many practical applications.
Radioactivity is the process of becoming radioactive and is the spontaneous process in which an element can transmutate from one form to another. This is due to a nuclei that is either filled with neutron or proton particles, which are unstable and cause a random discharge of particles. As these particles decay and move away from the nucleus, they transmit energy in the form of ionizing radiation. This can cause damage to matter in its path, and is therefore considered hazardous to living organisms or materials.
The process of radioactive decay is a natural process that relies on the type of element being used, and the half-life of the element. The half-life of an element is the amount of time it takes for the element to reduce its radioactivity output by half. This tends to range from a few seconds up to millions of years. Elements that are more unstable tend to have a lower half-life and eventually breakdown into more stable elements.
Radioactive nuclear elements can be quite hazardous, providing a radiation output that can pass through walls and other material. This sensation can be felt due to the radiation being absorbed into the cells of an organism, being transformed through nuclear fission and fusion. Although hazardous, these elements can also be used for many practical purposes, such as providing energy and aiding in propelling materials such as rockets, or providing information about the environment such as in areas of climate change.
In the area of medicine, radionuclides are believed to help in providing a precise diagnosis of disease and help with the understanding of others. These elements can be used in many medical imaging procedures such as MRI scans and PET scans. The radiation emitted can cause a reaction in the cells being targeted, which can then be captured and produce a clear image of the targeted cells.
Radioactive nuclear elements can also be used to provide energy, as a practical form of energy that can help with providing cheap energy to populated areas. This energy is known as nuclear power, and is one of the most powerful forms of energy available. Nuclear Power requires the fission of uranium, a process in which the uranium atoms break down and produce neutrons that release sufficient amounts of energy.
In conclusion, radioactive nuclear elements are a form of elements that emit radiation due to the unstable nucleus that they contain. This radiation can cause damage to organisms and matter, but is also used in a wide range of applications in the medical, energy and climate fields. For this reason, radioactive nuclear elements are extremely important and valuable, and should be used in a sensible and responsible manner.
