RADIOACTIVE Meaning and
Definition
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Radioactive is an adjective that describes a material or substance that emits or gives off radiation. Radiation refers to the emission of energy in the form of particles or waves that have the ability to penetrate matter. This emission occurs through the spontaneous disintegration or decay of the atomic nucleus of an element.
Radioactivity is a natural and inherent property of certain substances, often associated with unstable atomic structures. These substances are said to be radioactive because they undergo radioactive decay, a process where their atomic nuclei transform into more stable configurations by emitting ionizing radiation.
The emitted radiation from radioactive sources can take different forms, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles are positively charged particles composed of two protons and two neutrons, beta particles are either electrons or positrons, and gamma rays are electromagnetic waves. These emissions can be highly energetic and pose potential health risks due to their ability to ionize atoms and molecules in living organisms.
The concept of radioactivity, explored and discovered by scientists such as Marie Curie and Henri Becquerel, has various practical applications. These range from medical uses such as radiation therapy and diagnostics to industrial applications like power generation in nuclear reactors. Nonetheless, the potential dangers associated with exposure to ionizing radiation make it important to handle and contain radioactive materials with care and adherence to safety regulations.
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Possessing radioactivity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of RADIOACTIVE
The word "radioactive" is composed of two parts: "radio" and "active".
"Radio" originates from the Latin word "radius", meaning "ray" or "beam". It was first used in English in the late 19th century and mainly referred to electromagnetic radiation.
"Active" comes from the Latin word "activus", meaning "energetic" or "vigorous". It has been used in English since the 14th century and refers to something having the ability to act or function.
When combined, "radioactive" describes a substance that emits radiation or is capable of releasing atomic particles due to the instability of its atomic nuclei. The term was first coined by Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie in 1898 while they were conducting research on radioactive elements.
Similar spelling words for RADIOACTIVE
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