Editing Radioactivity (section)

== Why This Works ==

When we say that something is ''Radioactive'', we are saying that it is giving off high energy particles. The type of particle and how much energy it has let us know how the material is decaying. If something is giving off ''Alpha-decay'', that means it is losing protons, and releasing elemental Helium. This type of decay has pretty low energy, and the released Helium atom is easily blocked by thin walls like plastic, paper or our skin. If something is giving off ''Beta-decay'', then that means that one of the Neutrons decays into a Proton, which sends an electron flying. This type of decay has more energy to it, but can still be blocked by thicker barriers. If something is giving off ''Gamma-decay'', then that means the atom is releasing energy by launching high energy photons. This type of radiation is good for us in small doses, but in large doses can be very dangerous. Also, this type of radiation is very hard to block, requiring thick walls to shield from it.

The Fiestaware pieces are releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, so that means the atoms in the paint are releasing some protons and some electrons with high energy. The Uranium sample is also releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, but we can see that it is giving off much lower levels. The Trinitite, which is sand that was fused by the Trinity Bomb test, gives off alpha radiation, most of which is blocked by the plastic packaging on it. The sample on the front of the old Geiger counter gives off Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation; however, it is not dangerous to be around. The sample was carefully selected so to be used for calibrating the counter, so it gives off very low doses of Gamma radiation.

There are all kinds of everyday things that are radioactive. This is important to note, so that students and parents can learn about the safe and helpful side of radioactivity. Some of the more common radioactive sources around us are:
* Concrete, which gives off alpha decay, and is good at absorbing beta and gamma radiation.
* Bananas, or more specifically potassium. Potassium gives off beta decay, which our bodies can actually use!
* Sunlight, which contains gamma radiation in the form of UV rays. This is why you should wear sunblock if you plan to be in the sun for extended periods of time, because a sunburn is a type of radiation burn! However, don't be afraid to be in the sunlight, because our bodies need it to produce vitamin D.
* Our bones, which give off beta decay! Our bodies store small amounts of carbon-13 in our bones. Carbon-13 is an ''Isotope'' of carbon, meaning that it has a different number of neutrons than carbon typically does (7 instead of 6). It has a half-life of about 5000 years, but it still decays slowly within our bones, and can be picked up on by a geiger counter!