What Are the Effects of Gamma Radiation on Carbon 60?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effects of gamma radiation on carbon 60, specifically focusing on its properties, potential applications, and the implications of radiation exposure. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects, including the stability of carbon 60 and its behavior under gamma radiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the known or suggested effects of gamma radiation on carbon 60, also known as buckyballs.
  • One participant expresses a desire for concrete information rather than theories, indicating a need for practical insights.
  • There is a clarification regarding the terminology used, with participants noting the potential confusion between carbon 60 and cobalt-60.
  • A participant raises a question about the amount of gamma radiation carbon 60 could absorb before any observable decay occurs, linking this to potential applications in deep space engineering.
  • Another participant states that carbon 60 would ionize upon gamma absorption, asserting that buckyballs are chemically stable despite ionization.
  • Concerns are expressed about the misunderstanding of "half-life decay" in the context of gamma radiation, with a participant clarifying that gamma radiation does not affect nuclear decay processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effects of gamma radiation on carbon 60, with differing views on its stability and the implications of radiation exposure. The discussion remains unresolved regarding specific effects and applications.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including a lack of detailed empirical data on gamma radiation absorption by carbon 60 and the potential confusion surrounding terminology related to carbon and cobalt isotopes.

Freshtictac
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What are the known or suggested effects of γ-radiation on carbon 60?
 
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Each gram of Cobalt-60 will contain approximately 50 curies.
 
Freshtictac said:
... Cobalt-60 ...

Your title says "Carbon 60".

Maybe this is making those with knowledge of Cobalt NOT look at the question of Carbon.
I thought you might be talking about buckyballs.

Neil
 
captn said:
Your title says "Carbon 60".

Maybe this is making those with knowledge of Cobalt NOT look at the question of Carbon.
I thought you might be talking about buckyballs.

Neil

You're completely correct Neil... I posted out of excitement. But I would like an answer kinda like that, for Carbon as stated in the title.

How much γ-radiation could Carbon 60 absorb before half-life decay became visible?
I have seen tests of various radiation absorption on aluminum, tin, and lead, but never of C60 like materials, I know that when it was discovered it was hard to fabricate and very expensive, still is. I was thinking to make a deep space engine out of the material but it would cost nearly 5billion for the buckytubes in fluid alone by current prices. I was also considering an atmospheric production method, but I have no clue if that would be possible.
Indeed a common name for Carbon 60 is buckyballs "The structure of C60 - buckminsterfullerene - is that of a truncated icosahedron, which resembles a round soccer ball of the type made of hexagons and pentagons, with a carbon atom at the corners of each hexagon and a bond along each edge." http://www.3dchem.com/moremolecules.asp?ID=217&othername=Buckminsterfullerene
 
Last edited:
C60 would ionize on gamma absorption, like most everything else. Buckyballs are chemically very stable on ionization.

I have no idea what you mean by "half-life decay". Absorbing gamma radiation doesn't affect nuclear decay. (Besides which, 99% of carbon is stable 12C)
 

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