Organisms contain the enzyme catalase that breaks

organisms contain the enzyme catalase that breaks down hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen to
avoid forming the hydroxyl radical.
formation of peroxide H
2
O + ½ O
2
→ H
2
O
2
.. .. .. ..
formation of radicals H ί O ί O ί H → H ί O
•
+
•
O ί H
¨ ¨ ¨ ¨
catalase
safe destruction of peroxide H
2
O
2
ίίί→ H
2
O + ½ O
2
by aerobic organisms (iron)
Ionizing radiation is detected with the Geiger counter. When the neutral gas (usually neon) is
ionized by ionizing radiation, an electron is temporarily ejected. This electron creates a current as it
enters the positive electrode and makes its way back to the cation left behind. The current is
amplified into the signal.
Geiger Counter
The effects of ionizing radiation on your body are cumulative over your life span. If you see
radiation, run, because the effect of increasing distance on intensity, I, is an exponential decrease.
The following approximates the relationship between distance and exposure:

Unit 2, LN 2, Nuclear Chemistry 5

Unit 2, LN 2, Nuclear Chemistry 6
6 Types of Nuclear Reactions
There are 6 major types of nuclear reactions, all result in radiation. Most reactions are a
combination of these types. Any nuclear event that happens spontaneously will obey the concept of
half-life. When the nuclear event is triggered by a man-made event, as in bombardment, the half-life
concept does not apply.
1. Radiation = spontaneous emission of radiation, can use half-life