Chemical Engineering Basics

Q1: The radioactive isotope of hydrogen is

A deuterium

B tritium

C protium

D none of these

ANS:B - tritium

Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, denoted by the symbol "T" or "3H". It is composed of one proton and two neutrons, making it heavier than the more common isotopes of hydrogen, protium (one proton, no neutrons) and deuterium (one proton, one neutron). Here are some key points about tritium:

  1. Radioactivity: Tritium is radioactive, meaning it undergoes radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the form of beta particles. These beta particles are high-energy electrons emitted from the nucleus during the decay process.
  2. Half-life: Tritium has a relatively short half-life of approximately 12.3 years. This means that over time, half of the tritium atoms in a sample will decay into helium-3, another stable isotope of hydrogen, and emit beta particles in the process.
  3. Production: Tritium is not found in significant quantities in nature due to its short half-life. Instead, it is primarily produced artificially in nuclear reactors or by bombarding lithium-6 or lithium-7 targets with neutrons.
  4. Applications: Despite its radioactivity, tritium finds various applications in research, industry, and nuclear weapons. It is used as a tracer in biochemical and environmental studies, in radioluminescent devices such as exit signs and watches, and in nuclear fusion research as a fuel component.
  5. Safety: Due to its radioactivity and potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation, tritium must be handled and stored carefully. However, its low energy beta emissions make it relatively safe compared to other radioactive isotopes.
Overall, tritium's unique properties make it valuable for a range of scientific, industrial, and military applications, despite its radioactive nature.



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