Action Quote by Frederic Joliot-Curie
“Some months ago we discovered that certain light elements emit positrons under the action of alpha particles. Our latest experiments have shown a very striking fact: when an aluminium foil is irradiated on a polonium preparation [alpha ray emitter], the emission of positrons does not cease immediately when the active preparation is removed: the foil remains radioactive and the emission of radiation decays exponentially as for an ordinary radio-element. We observed the same phenomenon with boron and magnesium.”
About This Quote
Source Scientific paper: “Positron emission from aluminium under alpha irradiation” by Frederic Joliot-Curie, 1935
Alpha particles can induce prolonged positron emission in certain metals, showing delayed radioactive decay after the source is removed.
In simple terms: Alpha particles cause lasting radioactivity in some metals.
Consider delayed effects in radiation safety.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- radiation shielding
- medical imaging
- nuclear waste management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this affect safety protocols?
- What other materials might exhibit similar behavior?
The phenomenon may be limited to specific conditions and materials.