Radioactivity

the giving out of particles (known as α or β particles and γ rays) by unstable substances that are disintegrating.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

________________________________________

Radioactive decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus spontaneously loses energy by emitting ionizing particles and radiation. This decay, or loss of energy, results in an atom of one type, called the parent nuclide transforming to an atom of a different type, named the daughter nuclide. For example: a carbon-14 atom (the "parent") emits radiation and transforms to a nitrogen-14 atom (the "daughter"). This is a stochastic process on the atomic level, in that it is impossible to predict when a given atom will decay, but given a large number of similar atoms the decay rate, on average, is predictable.

The SI unit of activity is the becquerel (Bq). One Bq is defined as one transformation (or decay) per second. Since any reasonably-sized sample of radioactive material contains many atoms, a Bq is a tiny measure of activity; amounts on the order of GBq (gigabecquerel, 1 x 10⁹ decays per second) or TBq (terabecquerel, 1 x 10¹² decays per second) are commonly used. Another unit of radioactivity is the curie, Ci, which was originally defined as the amount of radium emanation (radon-222) in equilibrium with of one gram of pure radium, isotope Ra-226. At present it is equal, by definition, to the activity of any radionuclide decaying with a disintegration rate of 3.7 × 10¹⁰ Bq. The use of Ci is presently discouraged by the SI.

Taken from Wikipedia

Radiation

the giving out of energy from a source, which may be in the form of ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (radio, light, X-rays, infrared rays, etc.), particles or sound waves.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

__________________________________________

In physics, radiation describes any process in which energy emitted by one body travels through a medium or through space, ultimately to be absorbed by another body. Non-physicists often associate the word with ionizing radiation (e.g., as occurring in nuclear weapons, nuclear reactors, and radioactive substances), but it can also refer to electromagnetic radiation (i.e., radio waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, and X-rays) which can also be ionizing radiation, to acoustic radiation, or to other more obscure processes. What makes it radiation is that the energy radiates (i.e., it travels outward in straight lines in all directions) from the source. This geometry naturally leads to a system of measurements and physical units that are equally applicable to all types of radiation. Some radiations can be hazardous.

Taken from Wikipedia

I have classmates who ask to copy my homework, but I'm scared to tell them no. I guess you can say that I'm scared of them. What should I do?

A. If you let them cheat by giving them your homework, you will end up with more trouble than if you didn't. Word will get quickly around that you are a source to copy homework from.

Dishonest classmates will start relying on you for finished assignments when theirs aren't done. You will encourage them not to do their work because they can always get it from you. They won't be learning anything and will be hurt in the long run.

Don't allow them to intimidate you. You might get caught and be punished for helping them cheat. More important, you would be doing something you know is wrong and would be tearing down character.

A solution is to offer to help those who might ask you about copying your homework. Show them how to get the answers or where to find them in the book.

It's best to maintain your integrity and reputation. Eventually your classmates will respect you and may even ask for help.

Honesty is the best policy. To cheat or to condone cheating will only hurt everyone.

- Answer prepared by Victor Kubik, a minister of the Worldwide Church of God

Taken from Youth 90 magazine