Reference no: EM133364075
The earth is made up of all sorts of elements. Atoms of these elements combine to form molecules, and in turn molecules combine or change as chemical and biological processes occur. In this week's textbook readings, you will learn about how the nucleus of the atom contains protons and neutrons, tightly packed together and storing great amounts of energy. While the vast majority of atomic nuclei are extremely stable, some specific types of atoms can spontaneously lose these atomic particles, with high energy levels. This release of energetic particles is called radioactive decay, and the particles represent a form of radiation. The discovery of radioactive elements has led to a variety of new technologies designed to harness the energy released when atomic particles separate from the atom, or that can track radioactivity in biological organisms.
One of the pioneers in the discovery of radioactive elements was Marie Sklodowska Curie. Curie worked along with her husband, Pierre Curie, to isolate uranium and eventually she discovered that uranium decayed (lost atomic particles) to become radium and polonium, two elements that were completely unknown before she isolated and described them. For her work on radioactivity and the discovery of radium and polonium, Curie won two Nobel Prizes, one in chemistry and another in physics. Not only was she the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, but she was the first person and only woman to win two Nobel Prizes, and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. Unfortunately, her work also eventually led to her death from radiation exposure.
Once radioactive decay was discovered, other researchers began to work on ways to use this knowledge for real-life applications. Harnessing the energy that is released from the decay reactions became one of these applications. As a result, nuclear energy production and nuclear weapons were developed. Other uses of nuclear technology include medical imaging, medical treatments, and agricultural, scientific, and industrial applications. The continued use of nuclear technologies has great promise for producing energy around the world. Still, it is also controversial because of the potential harm from radioactive substances to humans and the environment.