Chapter 30, Problem 83A

To determine

To Explain: The difference between naturally and artificially produced radioactive isotopes.

Answer to Problem 83A

The difference between naturally and artificially produced radioactive isotopes is radioactive isotopes that are present naturally in the ores and they may undergo a radioactive decay while the artificial radioactive isotopes undergo decay when it is associated with a large number of particles.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

There are two types of radioactive isotopes. They have an unstable number of protons and neutrons. The naturally produced radioactive isotopes occur by natural process. Uranium is the best example of a naturally occurring radioisotope.

The formation of artificial radioactive isotope takes place when one atom is bombarded with the help of an accelerator that moves neutrons slow in the nuclear reaction.

The naturally occurring radio isotopes are those whose atoms are present naturally and can be found in the nature. The naturally occurring isotope Uranium is the best example of naturally occurring radio isotope. These isotopes are present in the nature in tiny or large amount in the crust of Earth or oceans.

Artificially occurring radioisotope is created using the accelerator or with the help of nuclear reactor which are present in the nature as they are not stable and by conversion of radioactivity they are transformed into stable isotopes.

Conclusion:

The natural radioactive isotopes are present naturally in the ores and they may undergo a radioactive decay while the artificial radioactive isotopes undergo decay when it is associated with a large number of particles.