Brief history of radioactivity isotopes

Radiochemistry, a branch of chemistry that focuses on radioactive substances, has significantly shaped our understanding of atomic science and the universe.

Brief history of radioactivity isotopes

From its inception in the late 19th century to its current applications in medicine, energy, and environmental science, radiochemistry has undergone profound transformations. This article explores the pivotal discoveries, influential scientists, and technological advancements that have marked the history of radiochemistry.

We begin with the early discoveries of radioactivity, move through the development of nuclear chemistry during the World Wars, and conclude with contemporary applications and future prospects.

Early Discoveries and Foundations

The history of radiochemistry is intertwined with the discovery of radioactivity itself.

In 1896, Henri Becquerel, a French physicist, accidentally discovered that uranium salts emitted rays that could fog photographic plates, similar to X-rays. This observation marked the birth of rad