Half life science series#
See also alpha particle, gamma ray, neutron, x-ray.ĭecay Chain (Decay Series) - The series of decays that certain radioisotopes go through before reaching a stable form. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if beta-emitting atoms are ingested or inhaled. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received.
Half life science skin#
Although they can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, beta particles can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns. See also beta particle, gamma ray, neutron, x-ray.Ītom - The smallest particle of an element that can enter into a chemical reaction.īeta Particles - Electrons ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. When alpha-emitting atoms are inhaled or swallowed, however, they are especially damaging because they transfer relatively large amounts of ionizing energy to living cells. Therefore, they do not damage living tissue when outside the body. Alpha particles can be stopped by a thin layer of light material, such as a sheet of paper, and cannot penetrate the outer, dead layer of skin. Alpha particles generally carry more energy than gamma or beta particles, and deposit that energy very quickly while passing through tissue. Certain radioactive nuclei emit alpha particles.
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After 24 hours, the radioactivity from the procedure will be reduced by more than 90%. The short half-life of technetium-99m helps keep the dose to the patient low.
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Half-life is the length of time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms of a specific radionuclide to decay. Another feature of each radionuclide is its half-life.