Origin and Applications of Radioactivity

A brief introduction to radioisotopes, radiation sources, types of radiation, their applications, effects and occupational protection has been presented in this chapter. The sources of radiation (whether natural or artificial) have been discussed. However, special emphasis has been given to natural radioactive decay series and artificial radioisotopes. Applications of ionizing radiations have significantly improved the quality of human life. The contribution and application of radioisotopes in various spheres of life, viz. tracing, radiography, food preservation and sterilization, eradication of insects and pests, medical diagnosis and therapy and new varieties of crops in the agricultural field, have been presented briefly. In this chapter, we have first discussed the natural origin of radioactivity and the production of radioactive elements in neutron and charged-particle streams, then exchanged the data and facts to see how high-energy particles lose energy during their interaction with matter. Finally, fossil radioactivity, artificial radioactivity, applications of radioactivity in medicinal and pharmaceutical extent, and nuclear dating followed by some wide-range applications of radioactivity have been discussed.