Chapter 39, Problem 31A

Is radioactivity in the world something relatively new? Defend your answer.

To determine

Whether the radioactivity is relatively new to the world.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Radioactivity is the phenomenon by which the unstable nucleus changes to a stable nucleus by ejecting radioactive particles and energy in the decay process.

Radioactivity was discovered accidentally and before 1896 it was unknown. Evidence of the existence of the radioactivity was first discovered by the physicistnamed A.H Becquerel. He took a few pieces of potassium uranyl sulfate $\left(K_{2}U{O}_2{\left(S{O}_4\right)}_2\right)$ and covered them with black Paper and using a piece of silverdetached the package from the photographic plate. A few hours later, he found that the photographic plate was developed. It showed blackening becauseof something that must have been removed by the compound and it was able to penetrate both silver and black paper. Scientistslater confirmed that it was the result of radioactivity.

Thus, radioactivity is not new to this world. The only difference is that people were able to identify it after 1896.

Conclusion:

Thus, the radioactivity has been part of nature, it is not new to the world.