How can radioactive decay be used?

Answer 1

Radioactive decay can be used in quite a few ways including:

• Heat source - some space probes use this feature to poweron-boardinstruments by using the heat of the decay to power thermocouples.
• Sample dating - the decay of radioisotopes can be measured to indicate that total amount of residual radioisotope. If the original content of a sample is known, the residual amount can be used to date the sample. This is the principle of "carbon-dating" where the original concentration is assumed to be the same as current steady-state concentrations of 14C.
• Cancer treatment - decay of radioisotopes can produce radiation that damages faster growing cells more than slow growing ones. Since cancer is faster growing, it affects cancer cells more than normal ones. Unfortunately hair cells and the lining of the intestine are also rather fast growing, thus causing the characteristic loss of hair and intestinal problems often associated with cancer treatments
• Jump starting nuclear reactions - the decay of existing radioisotopes produces the particles that can start chain reactions and get fission reactions going. Typically you have to confine the reaction and slow down the decay particles enough to sustain the reaction.

Answer 2

Neutron decay is the important supply of heat in a nuclear reactor.

Tritiated material (3H) is used to provide a glow in watches.

Radium used to be used in minute quantities to excite phosphors in compasses and watches. [But not necessarily safe]

14C is used for carbon dating in Archaeology, and K-Ar radio decay is used for longer periods.

Neutron sources are used for x-raying of metals.

Radiation sources are used for sterilizing medical supplies, and food.

Answer 3

Radioactivity can be harnessed to create heat and energy. Radioactive rods can heat up water in a nuclear plant and this can create enough steam to drive generator turbines.