Abstract
The structure of an atom, particularly the nucleus, is so complex that even now neither the structure nor the short range forces which hold the nucleus together are completely understood. However, there are a few things which can be said about atoms, amongst which are:
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(a)
the diameter is about 10−8 cm
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(b)
the diameter of the nucleus is about 10−12 cm
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(c)
the nucleus consists of nucleons, i.e. neutrons plus protons
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(d)
the mass of the neutron is only slightly greater than the mass of the proton
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(e)
the mass of the proton is eighteen hundred times the mass of the electron
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(f)
protons have an electrical charge of +1 while electrons have a charge of −1
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(g)
electrically neutral atoms have the same number of electrons, in various orbits, as there are protons in the nucleus.
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Suggestions for Further Reading
Adams, J.A.S. and Gasparini, P., 1970. Gamma-ray spectrometry of rooks, Elsevier, New York.
Bailey, R.V. and Childers, M.O., 1977. Applied mineral exploration with special reference to Uranium, Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado.
Dyck, W., 1972. Radon methods of prospecting in Canada, pp. 212–243 in Uranium prospecting handbook, eds. K. Bowie, L. Davis and I. Ostle, Inst. Min. Met. London.
Dyck, W., Jonasson, I.R. and Liard, R.F., 1976. Uranium prospecting with Rn-222 in frozen ground, J. Geochem. Expl., 5, 115–127.
Szoghy, I.M. and Kish, L., 1978. Determination of radioactive disequilibrium in Uranium bearing rocks, Can. J. Earth Sci. 15, 33–44.
Tanner, A.B., 1964. Radon migration in the ground: a review. pp. 1069–1081 in The natural radiation environment, eds. J.A.S. Adams and W.M. Lowder, U. Chicago Press.
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© 1981 A. E. Beck
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Beck, A.E. (1981). Radioactive methods. In: Physical Principles of Exploration Methods. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16605-3_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16605-3_9
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