It is used daily in the home, school, everywhere, and even in our food.
Uses of Nuclear Physics
The application of Nuclear Physics is Power production and military defense. And apart from it has a wide range of applications in Medicine, Agriculture, Carbon dating in Archeology, and also in several industries.
Agriculture
Radio Isotope of Phosphorous (P-32) helps in the productivity of crops. The radiation from isotopes helps to helps to kill pests and insects.
Some perishable cereals when exposed to controlled radiation. Its shelf-life gets increased. Small doses of radiation control sprouting and spoilage of Onions, Potatoes, and grams.
Medicine
Applications of Nuclear Physics in medicine using radioactivity are divided into two types: One is Diagnosis and another is therapy. The radioisotopes are used to treat the circulatory disorders of the blood, defects of bone metabolism, locate tumors, etc.
Example of radioisotopes used for medical diagnosis is hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, etc.
- Na24 – Sodium Isotope used for the effective functioning of the heart.
- Fe24–Iron Isotope used for anaemia diagnosis and treatment.
- P32–Phosphorous isotope used to treat skin diseases.
- Co60 (Cobalt) and Au198 (Gold)–Cobalt and Gold Isotopes used in the treatment of Skin Cancer.
Nuclear Radiation is used to sterilize medical equipment and devices.
Applications of nuclear physics in Industries
Radioactive Isotopes are used as tracers to detect manufacturing defects like cracks, leaks, Packaging faults.
Gauges with radioactive sources are used to check the level of gases, liquids, and solids in industries.
CF252 (Californium) – The Isotope of Californium is used in Airlines to detect explosives in the luggage.
Am241 (Americium)–Americium Isotope a smoke detector.
Archeological Research
Radiocarbon dating is used to find the age of historical objects such as fossils, paintings,.