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Radioactivity: A Very Short Introduction

Claudio Tuniz

July 2012

ISBN: 9780199692422

176 pages
Paperback
174x111mm

In Stock

Very Short Introductions

Price: £8.99

Radioactivity - the breakdown of unstable atomic nuclei, releasing radiation - is a fundamental process in nature, and used to provide important applications in science, medicine, and energy production. But it remains misunderstood and feared. In this Very Short Introduction, Claudio Tuniz explains the nature and mechanisms of radioactivity.

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Description

Radioactivity - the breakdown of unstable atomic nuclei, releasing radiation - is a fundamental process in nature, and used to provide important applications in science, medicine, and energy production. But it remains misunderstood and feared. In this Very Short Introduction, Claudio Tuniz explains the nature and mechanisms of radioactivity.

  • Explains one of the most fundamental processes in nature
  • Explores its wide and important applications in science, medicine, industry, agriculture, and energy production
  • Considers the issues surrounding safety, security, and fear of radioactivity
  • A clear, informative, and authoritative account of radioactivity and its applications
  • Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over five million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Claudio Tuniz, Assistant Director, Abdus Salam Centre for Theoretical Physics at Trieste, Italy

Claudio Tuniz was Assistant Director of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste . Previously he was Nuclear Counsellor at the Australian Embassy to the IAEA in Vienna and Director of the Physics Division at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization in Sydney. He is co-author of the book The Bone Readers (2009).

Table of Contents

    Prologue
    1:Opening the nuclear Pandora's box
    2:Unlimited energy?
    3:Food and water
    4:Radiation and radioactivity in medicine
    5:Radioactive gadgets and gauges
    6:Fear of radioactivity
    7:Tracing the origin and evolution of the Earth
    8:Tracing human origins and history
    Epilogue
    References
    Further reading

Reviews

"an enjoyable discussion of the light and dark side of radioactivity." - Times Higher Education Supplement

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