Question

One of the important concepts seen this week was that of radioactive decay, what causes decay to occur, in general, and the three primary types: alpha, beta, and gamma.

In your field of biology, can you find an app./area where decay is utilized in some manner? If so, briefly discuss it, along with what type(s) of decay are present. If you cannot find one in your field, find an app. of decay not discussed in the text and briefly discuss.

Please no handwritten or picture answers, only typed replies

Answer 1

Nucleids with Z(proton number),N (neutron number)combination which are not stable undergo radioactive decay to attain stability.

In alpha decay unstable nucleus emits alpha particle reducing Z by 4 and N by 2

Beta decay is a process in which either neutron is converted to proton or a proton is converted to neutron

The electromagnetic radiation emitted in nuclear transition is called gamma ray.

Wavelength of gamma ray is given by

lamda=hc/E

h=planck constant

c=speed of light

E=energy of transition

Further gamma rays are most penetrating followed by beta and alpha rays