Radioactivity SI Unit Explained
Radioactivity is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, such as an alpha particle, beta particle, or gamma ray, thus transforming into a different nucleus, often of a different element.
The SI unit for measuring the rate of radioactive decay (radioactivity) is the Becquerel (Bq).
- One Becquerel (Bq) represents one radioactive decay event per second. The formula is: $1 \text{ Bq} = 1 \text{ decay/s}$.
Understanding Other Radioactivity Units
While Becquerel is the official SI unit, other units are sometimes encountered:
- Curie (Ci): An older unit, often used historically. $1 \text{ Ci} = 3.7 \times 10^{10}$ decays per second. It's approximately the radioactivity of 1 gram of radium-226. While common, it is not the SI standard.
- Rutherford (Rd): Another non-SI unit, equal to $10^6$ decays per second. $1 \text{ Rd} = 10^6 \text{ Bq}$.
- Faraday (F): This unit relates to electric charge, not radioactivity.
Conclusion
The internationally recognized SI unit for radioactivity is the Becquerel (Bq), signifying one decay per second.
Similar Questions
- Which of the following was discovered by Henri Becquerel?
- Which of the following is used as a fissionable fuel in a nuclear reactor?
- The amount of radiation being emitted by a radioactive material is measured using the conventional unit _________.
- Which of the following is used in the treatment of cancer?
Through which process is the energy of the Sun generated?
Important Questions from Radioactivity
- The energies of the 3 lowest states of an atom are E 0 = −14 eV, E 1 = −9 eV and E 2 = −7 eV. The Einstein coefficients are A 10 = 3 × 10 8 s −1 , A 20 = 1.2 × 10 8 s −1 and A 21 = 8 × 10 7 s −1 . If a large number of atoms are in the energy level E 2 , the mean radiative lifetime of this excited state is
The nuclei of 137 Cs decay by the emission of β - particles with a half life of 30.08 years. The activity (in units of disintegrations per second or Bq) of a 1 mg source of 137 Cs, prepared on January 1, 1980, as measured on January 1, 2021 is closest to
The Q - value of the α - decay of 232 Th to the ground state of 228 Ra is 4082 keV. The maximum possible kinetic energy of the α - particle is closest to
Radioactivity is the characteristic of which of the following?
A free neutron decays spontaneously into a proton, an electron and ___________ .
