How to Discuss the Half Life of Radioactive Substances

Chemistry can be an overwhelming subject for many people. A discussion on radioactivity can alarm. Educating people properly on the intricacies of radioactive substances and how they deteriorate over time can alleviate fears and provoke interest in the organic sciences. Look below for a few tips on how to discuss the half life of radioactive substances.

Instructions

1. Begin by explaining the term radioactive in a scientific yet straightforward manner so as not to alarm the listener. The term radio active means a substance gives off alpha, beta or gamma rays as its internal structure begins to break down. These rays have different levels of interaction with people and the environment depending upon the substance and the location of the substance.

2. Broaden your explanation by educating the listener on the three types of waves mentioned in Step 1. Alpha waves are less penetrating and less harmful than beta waves. Beta waves like alpha and gamma rays are a stream of electrons given off by a radioactive substance. Gamma rays are similar to x rays and are considered the strongest of the three wave types mentioned.

3. Explain that the term half life means half the amount of time that it takes for a given substance to give off its rays as its internal atoms break down. Half life is the measurement used by chemists and physicians to determine when a radioactive substance is safe or relatively safe.

4. Detail your explanation with a brief discussion on how atoms are constructed. The easiest explanation would be that atoms are the smallest units in a given substance and consists of a nucleus, electrons and protons that interact with the external environment and change over time.

5. Use examples or provide a list to show the listener that some radioactive substances are more harmful than others or have a longer half-life than other substances. It is a good idea to use substances people easily associate with radioactivity such as plutonium and uranium. This information is readily available in most high school physics books or online.

6. Provide an explanation of how half life is calculated in physics for the more advanced listener. This discussion could include the law of radioactive decay, methods for determining half-life and the equipment used.

7. Conclude the discussion by explaining how important radioactive substances have become in modern civilization for their use in atomic energy, warfare and medicine.