Q20 CQ - College Physics (Urone)

Question

Radioactivity depends on the nucleus and not the atom or its chemical state. Why, then, is one kilogram of uranium more radioactive than one kilogram of uranium hexafluoride?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Uranium is more radioactive than uranium hexafluoride, which costs \(1\;{\rm{kg}}\).

Step 1: Definition of Radioactivity

The spontaneous emission of radiation in the form of particles or high energy photons as a result of a nuclear reaction is referred to as radioactivity.

Step 2: Explanation

Radioactivity is a phenomenon that occurs when particles are emitted from an unstable nucleus. The substance that emits these particles is referred to as a radioactive substance. Radiation emission is unaffected by environmental factors such as temperature and pressure. As a result, we can conclude that it is unrelated to the chemical state of the substance.

 

Because one kilogramme of Uranium hexafluoride contains some Fluorine, one kilogramme of Uranium is more radioactive than one kilogramme of Uranium hexafluoride. We also know that Uranium is radioactive, but fluorine is not.

 

Therefore, one kilogramme of uranium contains more Uranium than one kilogramme of Uranium hexafluoride.

 

As a result, radioactivity will increase.