History of Radioactivity: Becquerel & Curie

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Questions and Answers

What observation led Becquerel to conclude that uranium emitted radiation independent of phosphorescence?

  • The uranium salts became warm when exposed to sunlight.
  • Photographic plates near uranium were exposed even in darkness. (correct)
  • The uranium salts glowed faintly in the dark.
  • The uranium salts emitted X-rays when energized.

What was Becquerel's initial area of research that serendipitously led him to the discovery of radioactivity?

  • The effects of X-rays on photographic plates. (correct)
  • The penetrating power of radioactive elements.
  • The properties of phosphorescent materials.
  • The chemical composition of uranium salts.

What significant contribution did Marie Curie make to the understanding of radioactivity?

  • She discovered the phenomenon of radioactivity.
  • She identified the hazards of handling radioactive materials.
  • She isolated and characterized radium and other radioactive elements. (correct)
  • She developed safety procedures for working with radioactive substances.

Which incident highlighted the initially underestimated dangers of working with radioactive materials?

<p>Marie Curie storing radioactive samples in her desk. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What honor was Marie Curie awarded twice, setting a scientific precedent?

<p>The Nobel Prize in Physics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What personal tragedy impacted Marie Curie's life during her scientific career?

<p>Her husband, Pierre Curie, died in an accident. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Marie Curie contribute to science after her husband's death?

<p>She assumed Pierre's professorship and continued her research. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phenomenon of radioactivity involves which fundamental atomic process?

<p>The disintegration of atoms into a different atomic structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Marie Curie's second Nobel Prize?

<p>The isolation and characterization of pure radium. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Marie Curie's quote, "One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done," reflect about her perspective on scientific progress?

<p>A pragmatic acknowledgment of the ongoing and evolving nature of scientific exploration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Henri Becquerel

French physicist who discovered natural radioactivity.

Natural Radioactivity

The emission of radioactive particles from materials like uranium.

Radioactivity

Energy released when atoms disintegrate into different forms.

Marie Curie

Scientist who expanded Becquerel's work on radioactivity.

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Radium

A radioactive element isolated by Marie Curie.

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Radiation Sickness

Illness caused by exposure to radioactive substances.

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Pierre Curie

Marie Curie's husband and collaborator; died in 1906.

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Safety Procedures in Radioactivity

Guidelines developed after realizing dangers of radiation exposure.

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Nobel Prize

Prestigious award received by Marie Curie for her research.

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Quote by Marie Curie

“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.”

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Study Notes

Antoine Henri Becquerel

  • French physicist, first to discover natural radioactivity
  • 1852-1908
  • Investigated X-rays, noticed uranium emits radioactive particles
  • Connected phosphorescence (light-emitting) to X-rays
  • Placed uranium salt on photographic plates, exposure even in dark
  • Proved uranium emitted radiation.
  • Unit of radioactivity named after him: becquerel

Marie Curie

  • Coined the term "radioactivity"
  • Described how atoms disintegrate and release energy
  • Isolated pure radium in 1910
  • Nobel Prize in 1911 for chemistry
  • Research on radium.
  • Awarness of dangers associated with radium
  • 1894
  • Tradedgy of Pierre's death
  • managed to raise her two daughters and take over husband's professorship

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