ACTIVATION ANALYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Activation analysis is a quantitative analytical technique used in various fields, such as chemistry, physics, and archaeology, to determine the presence and concentration of elements in a sample. It involves the irradiation of a sample with high-energy particles, often neutrons, to induce nuclear reactions resulting in the creation of radioactive isotopes.
The irradiation process activates the nuclei of certain elements in the sample, transforming them into radioactive isotopes. These isotopes decay over time and emit characteristic radiation, such as gamma rays, which can be detected and quantified. By measuring the intensity of the emitted radiation, the type and concentration of elements present in the original sample can be determined.
Activation analysis offers several advantages over other analytical techniques. It is highly sensitive, capable of detecting elements in trace amounts, even parts per billion or lower. Furthermore, it is a non-destructive method, enabling the same sample to be analyzed multiple times if necessary. This technique also has a broad elemental coverage, allowing the determination of both major and trace elements in various samples, including solids, liquids, and gases.
Activation analysis finds applications in various fields, such as environmental monitoring, forensics, pharmaceutical analysis, and archaeology. It provides valuable information for quality control in industries, investigation of elemental composition in environmental samples, identifying contaminants, and dating archaeological artifacts. Overall, activation analysis plays a crucial role in understanding the elemental composition of substances and materials, contributing to the advancement of scientific research and technological development.
Common Misspellings for ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
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Etymology of ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
The term "Activation Analysis" has its etymology rooted in the field of nuclear physics and chemistry. The word "activation" refers to the process of inducing radioactivity in a material by bombarding it with nuclear particles, typically neutrons.
In the context of the analysis, the radioactive isotopes produced through activation are studied to gather information about the elemental composition and concentration of the sample. This technique has applications in various fields, including environmental science, archaeology, and forensic science.
The origin of the term "activation analysis" can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s when scientists such as Glenn T. Seaborg, George Hevesy, and others pioneered the use of neutron activation analysis (NAA). NAA involves the irradiation of a sample with neutrons, which causes specific elements to become radioactive through neutron capture.
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