1. Transmutation Reactions

3. Natural Transmutation
Occurs in nature without any intervention
Due to an unstable nucleus
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Positron are all examples of natural transmutation decay reactions

4. Artificial Transmutations
Forcing the nucleus to change
Two methods:
Using an particle accelerator to “bomb” a nucleus with a charged particle and force it to break
Neutron collision with a nucleus to “break” it

5. Nuclear Fission Splitting of a heavy nuclei into smaller nuclei
Mass is converted into energy
1 Neutron is fired at a nucleus of a radioactive element/isotope such as U—235 or Pu—239
These are the only 2 fissionable isotopes
Creates an unstable nucleus that splits
Produces two medium weight nuclei and neutrons and lots and lots and lots of energy
Called a nuclear chain reaction
This is used to generate energy in a nuclear power plant

7. Nuclear Fusion Joining of two light nuclei to form one larger one
In the process large amounts of energy are released (much more than in fission)
Two issues with fusion:
1. Only occurs at extremely high temperatures and pressures
The sun produces energy via fusion of hydrogen isotopes and nuclear weapons have fission triggers but are fusion bombs

9. Detecting Radiation Geiger Counter Detects ionizing radiation
Contains a gas filled chamber (inert gas) and only radioactive particles have enough energy to ionize the gas
Level of ionization is measured
Counter “clicks” as the gas atoms are ionized

11. Scintillation counter
Similar to a Geiger counter but it uses a phosphorous coated surface instead of a gas
The phosphorous is ionized and it “reads” the energy associated with the ionization

13. Film Badge
Plastic or metal case with layers of undeveloped/unexposed film on the inside
Only high energy particles can penetrate the case
So, radiation or radioactive particles (high energy) can pass through and expose or develop the film
Worn by individuals who work with radiation on a regular basis
Amount of exposure is read and it is determined if you are safe based on calculated exposure levels