Induced Radiation: Marie Curie's Notes & Effects of Gamma/X-Rays

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    Induced Radiation
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of induced radioactivity, particularly in relation to Marie Curie's notes and the effects of gamma and X-rays on ordinary materials. Participants explore how materials can become radioactive when exposed to radioactive sources, and the mechanisms involved in this process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how ordinary materials can become radioactive when exposed to radioactive sources, specifically referencing Marie Curie's notes.
  • Another participant suggests that the notes may be radioactive due to direct contamination from radioactive samples rather than induced radioactivity.
  • A different participant asserts that induced radioactivity requires high-energy particles or neutrons, and mentions that high-energy photons could also induce activity under certain conditions.
  • One participant references a legend about Marie Curie carrying a sample of radium, implying a connection to her health issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the source of radioactivity in Marie Curie's notes, with some participants attributing it to contamination and others suggesting the possibility of induced radioactivity under specific conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the mechanisms of induced radioactivity.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the conditions required for induced radioactivity, including the types of particles and energy levels involved. There is also uncertainty about the extent of contamination versus induced activity in the context of Curie's notes.

Silviu
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Hello! How can ordinary material become radioactive, if exposed to radioactive sources? I read that Marie Curie's notes are still radioactive and I am not sure I understand how. As far as I know gamma and X-rays can excite or ionize an atom or excite a nucleus. How does this make the radiated material to become radioactive?
 
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Silviu said:
I read that Marie Curie's notes are still radioactive and I am not sure I understand how.
Probably from direct contamination, pieces of radioactive samples stuck to the notes.
Induced radioactivity is much weaker.
 
Hi,
mfb is right, Marie Curie notes are radioactive because of contamination and not due to induced activity. To obtain induced activity, neutrons or particles (e.g. ions) of high energy are required. It is possible to activate with high-energy photons (threshold effect)
PSR
 
Legend has it that Marie Curie carried a sample of Ra in her pocket. It's no surprise that she got cancer!
 

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