Radioactivity : The Pros and Cons Since its discovery by Henri
Becquerel in 1896 much has been learned about radioactive
elements and their properties. This knowledge has led to many
beneficial applications of the numerous radioisotopes. Did you
know that some of the foods we eat have been treated by exposure
to radiation? Have you ever wondered how we know the age of
dinosaur bones? Have you ever known anyone who was treated for
cancer with radiation Have you ever wondered how a nuclear
submarine is powered? Have you ever had an x-ray to look for a
broken bone or a cavity? All of these beneficial applications
are due to scientific research, discovery and development of
nuclear chemistry Although nuclear chemistry has provided
numerous beneficial applications to our society there is also a
dark side to nuclear chemistry that was must be aware of. The
legacy that nuclear disasters such as Three Mile Island and
Chernobyl have left us has brought some societies to question
the continued use of nuclear energy. Wh