
Which of the following is a radioactive element?
(A) Sulphur
(B) Polonium
(C) Tellurium
(D) Selenium
Answer
162k+ views
Hint: Some atomic nuclei contain excess nuclear charge that makes them unstable. These nuclei undergo radioactive decay to create stable nuclei. These substances are known as radioactive substances. The use of radioisotopes in diagnostic techniques in medicine is crucial. They can be used in combination with imaging tools that record the gamma rays emitted from within to image the dynamic processes occurring in various bodily areas.
Complete Step by Step Answer:
Among the given options, polonium is a radioactive element. The nucleus displays radioactivity as a result of nuclear instability. It is a phenomenon whereby heavier materials break down into comparably lighter ones through radiation emission. Polonium was discovered by Marie Curie in 1898. It has an atomic number of 84 and a mass number 209. It is a silver-coloured solid metal. Due to its radioactivity, this metal is highly toxic.
Correct Option: (B) Polonium.
Additional Information: A radioactive element can decay in three ways: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay is the name given to the nuclear disintegration process that produces alpha particles. An energetic electron that is released from the nucleus during this sort of decay is known as a beta particle. An electromagnetic energy (photon) packet known as a gamma ray is released by the nucleus of some radionuclides after radioactive decay.
Note: The concept of radioactivity was discovered by Henry Becquerel in 1896. A black paper-wrapped uranium compound was inserted into a drawer containing photographic plates. The plates were discovered to be exposed after a thorough analysis. Later on, this exposure gave rise to the idea of radioactive decay. Every radioactive element has a finite life.
Complete Step by Step Answer:
Among the given options, polonium is a radioactive element. The nucleus displays radioactivity as a result of nuclear instability. It is a phenomenon whereby heavier materials break down into comparably lighter ones through radiation emission. Polonium was discovered by Marie Curie in 1898. It has an atomic number of 84 and a mass number 209. It is a silver-coloured solid metal. Due to its radioactivity, this metal is highly toxic.
Correct Option: (B) Polonium.
Additional Information: A radioactive element can decay in three ways: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay is the name given to the nuclear disintegration process that produces alpha particles. An energetic electron that is released from the nucleus during this sort of decay is known as a beta particle. An electromagnetic energy (photon) packet known as a gamma ray is released by the nucleus of some radionuclides after radioactive decay.
Note: The concept of radioactivity was discovered by Henry Becquerel in 1896. A black paper-wrapped uranium compound was inserted into a drawer containing photographic plates. The plates were discovered to be exposed after a thorough analysis. Later on, this exposure gave rise to the idea of radioactive decay. Every radioactive element has a finite life.
Recently Updated Pages
JEE Main 2021 July 25 Shift 1 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main 2021 July 22 Shift 2 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main Mock Test Series Class 12 Chemistry for FREE

JEE Electricity and Magnetism Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

JEE Energetics Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

JEE Isolation, Preparation and Properties of Non-metals Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2025 Session 2: Application Form (Out), Exam Dates (Released), Eligibility, & More

JEE Main 2025: Derivation of Equation of Trajectory in Physics

Displacement-Time Graph and Velocity-Time Graph for JEE

Electric Field Due to Uniformly Charged Ring for JEE Main 2025 - Formula and Derivation

Classification of Drugs

JoSAA JEE Main & Advanced 2025 Counselling: Registration Dates, Documents, Fees, Seat Allotment & Cut‑offs

Other Pages
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 1 Solutions

JEE Advanced Marks vs Ranks 2025: Understanding Category-wise Qualifying Marks and Previous Year Cut-offs

Solutions Class 12 Notes: CBSE Chemistry Chapter 1

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 2 Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry Class 12 Notes: CBSE Chemistry Chapter 2
