This paper provides examples of naturally radioactive items that are likely to be found in most communities. Additionally, there is information provided on how to acquire many of these items inexpensively. I have found that the presence of these materials in the classroom is not only useful for teaching about nuclear radiation and debunking the “nuclear free” myth, but also for helping students to understand the history of some of the commercial uses of radioactive materials since the early 20th century. Finally, the activity of each source (relative to background radiation) is provided.
REFERENCES
1.
http://www.westsidewholesale.com/index.cgi?&CATEGORY=505&sort_order=sales&gclid=CIa1g‐nO‐3ZACFSBeagodnDl4Vw and click on the link to smoke detectors.
2.
http://www.orau.org/ptp/museumdirectory.htm and click on Consumer Products and then on Fiesta Ware.
3.
Edward R.
Landa
and Terry B.
Councell
, “Leaching of uranium from glass and ceramic foodware and decorative items
,” Health Phys.
63
, 343
–348
(1992
).4.
http://www.orau.org/ptp/museumdirectory.htm and click on Radioactive Quack Cures.
5.
Thomas A.
Walkiewicz
, “The hot balloon (not air)
,” Phys. Teach.
33
, 344
–345
(Sept. 1995
).
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2010 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2010
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
