Radioactivity Explained HomeHighly enriching Standalone simuation 1. Atomic structure Putting you in the picture 1.1 Atoms and elements1.2 Structure and scale of the atom1.3 Atomic number, mass number, and isotopes 2. Our changing picture of the atom Good luck and dead ends 2.1 The plum pudding model2.2 Rutherford and alpha scattering2.3 Protons and neutrons 3. Alpha, beta and gamma As simple as the abc 3.1 Becquerel discovers radiation from uranium3.2 Marie Curie finds more radioactive elements3.3 Rutherford separates alpha, beta and gamma3.4 The sparkler analogy3.5 Nuclear changes with alpha, beta, gamma3.6 Penetration and ionisation3.7 Detecting radiation 4. Background radiation Since the dawn of time 4.1 Sources of background radiation4.2 The becquerel and the sievert4.3 Compensating for background count in readings 5. Half-life and decay rate The less there is, the slower you lose it 5.1 The discovery that radioactivity decreases with time5.2 Stability and randomness5.3 Radioactivity and half-life5.4 Half-life calculations5.5 Half-life and graphs5.6 Half-life: Radiation uses and risks 6. Uses of nuclear radiation Nothing else will do 6.1 Non-medical uses6.2 Medical uses 7. Dangers and risks Safe but scary 7.1 Contamination and irradiation7.2 Effects of radiation on living things7.3 Managing risks7.4 Risk perception 8. Nuclear equations New elements, same building blocks 8.1 Changing elements8.2 Balancing equations 9. Nuclear power Low carbon, but not renewable 9.1 Generating electricity9.2 Fission and moderators9.3 Chain reactions and control rods9.4 Radioactive waste9.5 Nuclear fusion
