Radioactivity associated with the Actinoids

When looking at any analytical chemistry of the actinoids, their radioactive properties must be understood. All the actinnoids are radioactive in some form or other and each have differening degrees of radioactivity.

There are different types of radiation, each with varying degrees of ionising potential and range in air. Are are the 3 most common form of ionising radiation:

Alpha Particle

• Alpha particle radiation consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons and therefore has an electronic charge of +2
• They are highly ionising and therefore attract electrons very easy. This consequently means they can do much damage to human internal tissue if ingested or exposed for a long period of time.
• They are bent by eletric and magnetic fields but not to a huge degree as they are quite heavy.
• Are realtively heavy and therefore slow moving.
• Typical range is only 5cm in air and is stopped by outer human skin or cardboard. Has poor penetrating power.

Beta Particle

• Alpha particle radiation consists of 1 fast moving electron.
• It is produced when a neutron splits into an electron and a proton. The elctron is ejected with high speed.
• Relatively weak ionising potential.
• Are bent strongly by eletric and magnetic fields.
• Have little mass and therefore move extremely quickly (9/10 speed of light).
• Typical range is 30 - 50cm in air and can be absorbed by 5mm of Aluminium.

Gamma Ray

• Gamma radiation is an electromagnetic wave.
• Very weak ionising potential as it has no mass or charge.
• Not effected by eletric and magnetic fields.
• Due to no mass, they travel at the speed of light.
• Strength halved by thick concrete or thick lead (25mm)

Out of all of these, potentially the most harmful radiation is alpha particles. If they get inside a human body, serious irrepriable damage will be caused which could lead to such diseases as cancer.

When working in enviroments where you are exposed to such radiations it is always necessary to cut down on the amount of radiation you are exposed to. This is explained further later on.

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