Radioactivity - background rate

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the background radiation rate of Cesium, specifically Cesium-137. Participants clarify that the term "background rate" is ambiguous and suggest that users specify whether they seek exposure rates or decay rates. The decay rate of Cesium-137 is defined by its half-life of 30 years, and the decay constant can be calculated using the formula A(t) = A(0) exp(-λt), where λ is the decay constant. Resources such as the National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC) and USGS maps are recommended for further information.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radioisotopes and their decay rates
  • Familiarity with the concept of half-life in nuclear physics
  • Basic knowledge of exponential decay equations
  • Access to online databases like the National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the decay constant for various radioisotopes
  • Explore the National Nuclear Data Center (NNDC) for detailed radioisotope information
  • Investigate USGS resources for background radiation maps in the United States
  • Learn about the implications of Cesium-137 in environmental science and health
USEFUL FOR

Environmental scientists, health physicists, and anyone involved in radiation safety or studying the effects of radioisotopes in the environment.

thegame
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Hello, anyone know a website to find the background rate of Cesium?
 
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No clue.. have you tried a google search?
 
thegame said:
Hello, anyone know a website to find the background rate of Cesium?
are you looking for the exposure rate of background radiation due to Cesium? Decay rate? which isotope? what location? or are you looking for the exposure rate due to cesium?

background rate of cesium doesn't really mean anything so it's kind of hard to answer your question.

http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/index.jsp has a lot of information on radioisotopes. I think the USGS might have some maps of background radiation levels around the US somewhere in their website.
 
Cesium 137 decay rate... I am pretty sure its a constant, since its half life is 30 years.
 
thegame said:
Cesium 137 decay rate... I am pretty sure its a constant, since its half life is 30 years.
decay rate of any radioisotope is typically specified in terms of it's half life and is constant for every radioisotope. perhaps it's the decay constant you're actually looking for?

A(t) = A(0) exp(-\lambda t)
where \lambda is the decay constant (\lambda = ln(2)/T_{1/2}) and A(0) = initial activity
 
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