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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…” quote by Frederic Joliot-Curie
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“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.”

Frederic Joliot-Curie

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.

Key Takeaway

Consider delayed effects in radiation safety.

Themes

science radioactivity physics

Mood

analytical curious

Type

technical inquisitive

When to use this quote

  • radiation shielding
  • medical imaging
  • nuclear waste management

Key Concepts

nuclear decay material science

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this affect safety protocols?
  • What other materials might exhibit similar behavior?
A Different Perspective

The phenomenon may be limited to specific conditions and materials.

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