Radioactivity Facts for Kids – 5 Reliable Facts about Radioactivity
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Radioactivity is so dangerous but is so helpful as well! Let’s discover five reliable radioactivity facts for kids.
Radioactivity Facts for Kids Fact Number 1: X-rays
Radioactivity is the process of certain elements releasing energy in the form of particles or waves. This energy is called ionizing radiation and it can take different forms such as alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays. These particles or waves can travel through matter and can cause chemical changes in the materials they pass through.
Radioactivity Facts for Kids Fact Number 2: Ionizing Radiation
The energy released during radioactivity is called ionizing radiation. It is called ionizing because it has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which can create ions and cause chemical changes in materials.
Radioactivity Facts for Kids Fact Number 3: Uranium and Radium
Radioactivity occurs naturally in certain elements, such as uranium and radium. These elements are found in small amounts in the earth’s crust and they can release ionizing radiation as they decay into other elements.
Radioactivity Facts for Kids Fact Number 4: Nuclear Power Plants
Radioactivity can also be created by human activities, such as nuclear power plants and certain medical procedures. Nuclear power plants use the energy released by nuclear reactions to generate electricity. Medical procedures such as X-rays and cancer treatments also use ionizing radiation.
Radioactivity Facts for Kids Fact Number 5: Safety Precautions
Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation can be harmful to living organisms, so safety precautions are important when working with radioactive materials. Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can cause cancer and other health problems. Safety measures such as protective clothing, shielding, and limiting the time of exposure can help reduce the risk of harm.
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