Radioactivity - background rate

In summary, The conversation revolves around finding the background rate of Cesium. The person asking for help clarifies that they are looking for the exposure rate of background radiation due to Cesium. The other person suggests checking the National Nuclear Data Center and the United States Geological Survey website for information on Cesium and background radiation levels. The decay rate of Cesium 137 is mentioned, with the reminder that it is a constant due to its half-life of 30 years. The concept of decay constant is also introduced as a possible factor to consider.
  • #1
thegame
32
0
Hello, anyone know a website to find the background rate of Cesium?
 
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  • #2
No clue.. have you tried a google search?
 
  • #3
thegame said:
Hello, anyone know a website to find the background rate of Cesium?
are you looking for the exposure rate of background radiation due to Cesium? Decay rate? which isotope? what location? or are you looking for the exposure rate due to cesium?

background rate of cesium doesn't really mean anything so it's kind of hard to answer your question.

http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/index.jsp has a lot of information on radioisotopes. I think the USGS might have some maps of background radiation levels around the US somewhere in their website.
 
  • #4
Cesium 137 decay rate... I am pretty sure its a constant, since its half life is 30 years.
 
  • #5
thegame said:
Cesium 137 decay rate... I am pretty sure its a constant, since its half life is 30 years.
decay rate of any radioisotope is typically specified in terms of it's half life and is constant for every radioisotope. perhaps it's the decay constant you're actually looking for?

[tex]A(t) = A(0) exp(-\lambda t)[/tex]
where [tex]\lambda[/tex] is the decay constant ([tex]\lambda = ln(2)/T_{1/2}[/tex]) and A(0) = initial activity
 
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FAQ: Radioactivity - background rate

What is radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of particles or energy from the nucleus of an unstable atom. This process is known as radioactive decay and it results in the formation of a more stable atom.

What is the background rate of radioactivity?

The background rate of radioactivity refers to the level of naturally occurring radioactivity in the environment. This includes radiation from sources such as the Earth, cosmic rays, and radioactive elements found in rocks and soil.

Is radioactivity harmful?

The answer to this question depends on the level of exposure. Low levels of radioactivity from natural sources are generally not harmful. However, exposure to high levels of radioactivity can be dangerous and may cause health effects such as radiation sickness and an increased risk of cancer.

How is radioactivity measured?

Radioactivity is measured in units called becquerels (Bq). This unit represents the number of radioactive decays that occur per second. Another commonly used unit is the curie (Ci), which represents the number of decays per second in a larger sample of material.

What are some common sources of radioactivity?

Natural sources of radioactivity include radon gas, cosmic rays, and radioactive elements found in the Earth's crust. Artificial sources include nuclear power plants, medical treatments, and nuclear weapons testing.

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