answersLogoWhite

0

Minerals become radioactive when certain elements within them undergo radioactive decay, releasing energy in the form of radiation. This process occurs when unstable isotopes of elements break down and transform into more stable forms, emitting radiation in the process. Common radioactive elements found in minerals include uranium, thorium, and potassium.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

1y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences
Related Questions

What minerals are radioactive minerals?

The most familiar of the radioactive minerals is pitchblende which contains uranium.


Why is helium mixed with radioactive minerals?

Helium is produced as a byproduct of radioactive decay in minerals like uranium and thorium. These minerals contain alpha particles, which are essentially helium nuclei. As these alpha particles are emitted during decay, they capture electrons from their surroundings to become helium atoms. This is why helium is often found mixed with radioactive minerals.


Which minerals are radiactive?

Many minerals are radioactive to one degree or another, from allanite to zircon.


What is highly radioactive ore?

Minerals like uraninite and carnotite are highly radioactive ores of uranium.


What minerals can be detected by a geiger counter?

radioactive materials.


What is the difference between radioactive and non-radioactive isotope?

Radioactive minerals are unstable and emit radiation at a constant rate. They also have half lives and lose energy overtime. Nonradioactive minerals are stable, and by there own are incapable of emitting energy.


Why is helium present in radioactive minerals?

heluim are 4 nucleide


Can water become radioactive?

Yes, water can become radioactive if it comes into contact with radioactive materials or is exposed to radiation. This can happen in situations such as nuclear accidents or when radioactive substances are improperly disposed of.


Is it possible for water to be radioactive?

Yes, it is possible for water to become radioactive if it comes into contact with radioactive materials or is contaminated by radioactive substances.


Are minerals that glow in the dark radioactive?

Minerals that glow in the dark may or may not be radioactive. There are some other reasons that a mineral could glow in the dark without it being radioactive. Certainly if a material is radioactive enough it will glow in the dark. But note that some radioactive materials are only weakly radioactive, and an observer will not be able to see them glow in the dark.


What is the most radioactive thing?

Thorium, an element rarely found in some minerals.


Why are dinosaur bones radioactive?

Dinosaur bones can become radioactive due to the presence of trace amounts of radioactive elements, such as uranium and thorium, in the surrounding rocks and soil where the bones are buried. Over time, these radioactive elements can seep into the bones and cause them to become radioactive themselves.