Two radioactive isotopes are extracted from spent nuclear fuel and placed in a metal container, which is then
sealed and deposited in a nuclear waste disposal facility. The graph above shows how many nuclei of isotopes
1 and 2 remain as a function of time.
1) What type of radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma) would be most likely to escape through the container walls?
2) After many years, when the container is removed, it is found to contain helium gas, and the total mass of the
contents is found to have decreased. Account for each of these two observations.
I have no ideas. Please help. Thank You.
What type of radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma) would be most likely to escape through the container walls?
2) The helium is caused by alpha particles gaining electrons.
The mass change comes from the radiation that is given off
I have students so I learn more in this website
graph above shows how many nuclei of isotopes 1 and 2 remain as a function of time.
1) The most likely type of radiation to escape through the container walls would be gamma radiation. This is because gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons that can easily penetrate materials, including the walls of the container.
2) The presence of helium gas in the container and the decrease in total mass can be accounted for by the decay of the isotopes. It is likely that one of the isotopes underwent alpha decay, emitting alpha particles (helium nuclei), which would explain the presence of helium gas. Additionally, during the decay process, the isotopes will transform into other elements, which may result in a decrease in the total mass of the contents.
To answer your questions, we need to analyze the information provided.
1) To determine what type of radiation is most likely to escape through the container walls, we need to look at the graph and correlate it with the properties of the three types of radiation: alpha (α) particles, beta (β) particles, and gamma (γ) rays.
- Alpha particles (α): These are helium nuclei, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. They have a positive charge and are relatively large and heavy, which makes them less penetrating. They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.
- Beta particles (β): These are high-speed electrons (β-) or positrons (β+). They have a negative charge and are smaller and lighter than alpha particles. They can penetrate deeper into matter and require thicker materials, such as aluminum or plastic, to stop them.
- Gamma rays (γ): These are high-energy electromagnetic waves, similar to X-rays. They have no mass or charge, which makes them highly penetrating. They require significant amounts of dense materials, such as lead or concrete, to effectively shield against them.
Looking at the graph, if the number of nuclei decreases over time for both isotopes, it suggests that decay is occurring. Decay often involves the emission of particles or radiation. In this case, since the number of nuclei is decreasing, it is likely that either alpha or beta decay is occurring.
Considering the properties of the three types of radiation, beta particles (β) are smaller and more penetrating than alpha particles (α). Therefore, beta radiation is more likely to escape through the container walls.
2) After many years, two observations are made: the container contains helium gas, and the total mass of the contents has decreased.
The presence of helium gas can be explained by alpha decay. During alpha decay, an alpha particle (helium nucleus) is emitted from the radioactive isotope. As the graph shows a decrease in the number of nuclei, it indicates that both isotopes 1 and 2 undergo alpha decay. Hence, the helium gas found in the container is a byproduct of this decay.
The decrease in mass can be attributed to the emission of both alpha particles and beta particles. When an alpha particle is emitted, it carries mass (since it consists of two protons and two neutrons), which decreases the overall mass of the radioactive material. Additionally, when a beta particle is emitted, it carries energy and momentum, but it does not carry any significant amount of mass. Therefore, the emission of both alpha and beta particles contributes to the overall decrease in mass of the radioactive material.
In summary, the radiation most likely to escape through the container walls is beta radiation (β), and the observations of helium gas and a decrease in mass can be explained by alpha and beta decay processes.
Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation (photons) emitted in an attempt by the radionuclide to become stable, i.e., radioactive decay. Gamma rays have moderate-to-high penetrating power, are often able to penetrate deep into the body, and generally require some form of shielding, such as lead or concrete. Visible light is also in the form of photons. Gamma photons behave similarly to light, but they are invisible.
Alpha and Beta don't penetrate as much