Radiochemistry
Radiochemistry deals with the use of radioactivity to study ordinary chemical reactions. All unstable isotopes elements decay and emanate some form of radiation (these are called radio isotopes).The radiation emitted can be one of three types, called alpha, beta, or gamma radiation. These three types of radiation can distinguished by their difference in penetrating power. Alpha-Can be stopped quite easily by a few centimetres if air or a piece of paper. Beta-Can be cut off by an aluminium sheet just a few millimetres thick. Gamma-This is the most penetrating and dangerous of the three, gamma radiation requires an appreciable amount of lead(Pb) to reduce its intensity.
Radiochemistry is the field of science that analyses those reactions based on radioactive emanations. Radiochemistry also includes the production of radionuclides and their compounds by processing irradiated or naturally occurring materials that have ostensible radioactive attributes.
Radiochemistry is more closely linked to nuclear chemistry, with the application of chemical techniques to nuclear studies and the application of radioactivity to the investigation of chemical and biochemical problems being a theatre of research paramount to it.
There are many natural occurring substances that contain radioactive elements in sufficient quantity, well known examples of these elements are uranium(U), radium(Ra) and thorium(Th).
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