The spelling of the word "radioactive sample" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word begins with the sound /reɪdɪoʊ/ which signals the presence of the word "radio". The second part of the word, /ækˈtɪv/, represents the word "active", and the final part, /ˈsæmpəl/, is spelled phonetically as "sample". Overall, the word is spelled as it sounds and effectively conveys the meaning of a substance that is both radioactive and a sample for testing or analysis.
A radioactive sample refers to a material that contains one or more radioactive isotopes, also known as radioisotopes. These radioisotopes possess unstable nuclei, resulting in the emission of ionizing radiation. The term "radioactive" refers to the characteristic of these isotopes to decay and release radiation.
In a scientific context, a radioactive sample is often used for experimental and research purposes in various fields such as nuclear physics, medicine, chemistry, and environmental sciences. These samples may be in different forms, including solid, liquid, or gas, depending on the particular isotope and its source.
The radioactivity of a sample is measured in terms of activity, which quantifies the rate at which radiation is emitted. The unit used for activity is the Becquerel (Bq), representing one decay event per second. Another commonly used unit is the Curie (Ci), which corresponds to 3.7 × 10^10 disintegrations per second.
Radioactive samples require careful handling and containment to minimize potential health risks from exposure to radiation. Special precautions such as shielding, lead containers, and proper storage are necessary to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment. Additionally, authorized individuals are responsible for the appropriate disposal of radioactive waste generated by these samples, following strict regulatory guidelines to prevent contamination and harm.
The term "radioactive sample" is a compound word composed of two elements: "radioactive" and "sample".
1. Radioactive: The term "radioactive" was coined by the French physicist Antoine Henri Becquerel in 1896. It combines the Latin word "radi(us)" meaning "ray" or "spoke of a wheel" and "active" meaning "causing action". Becquerel discovered a type of radiation emitted by uranium that had the ability to cause certain materials to fluoresce (emit light). This new phenomenon was named "radioactive" to indicate the emission of radiant energy.
2. Sample: The word "sample" comes from the Old French word "essamplaire", meaning "example" or "pattern". It later passed into Middle English as "sample" with a similar meaning.