Chapter 19, Problem 46A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Exposure of radiation causes very minute energy transfer to living cells per event yet considered dangerous has to be justified.

Concept introduction: In a nuclear reaction, unstable nuclide disintegrates into stable nuclide with emission of various radiations spontaneously. It is called radioactivity of nucleus. These reactions are of 2 types: fission and fusion. Fission is process in which heavy nuclides disintegrate into lighter and stable ones. When 2 lighter nucleus come together to create a heavy nuclide, it is called as fusion.

Answer to Problem 46A

Radioactive substances, which are greatest source of energy, are huge threat to human system as though they involve very less energy transfer per decay event but their effects are either visible immediately in form of sickness or death, or after long time in form of cancer like diseases.

Explanation of Solution

Energy transfer in any type of collision process involving big objects or small, can be harmful. Transferred energy can cause chemical bond to break and distortion in proper functioning of body.

Radioactive substances, which are greatest source of energy, are huge threat to human system as though they involve very less energy transfer per decay event but their effects are either visible immediately in form of sickness or death, or after long time in form of cancer like diseases.

Conclusion

Radioactive substances, which are greatest source of energy, are huge threat to human system as though they involve very less energy transfer per decay event but their effects are either visible immediately in form of genetic mutation or after long time in form of cancer like diseases.