Been on a paranormal kick but not necessary a believer, wondering how objects become radioactive that aren’t usually (like the hikers clothes at Dyotlov pass) I understand why they are considered radioactive (atoms with access energy?) but do we know why they suddenly are or is it a mystery in and of itself?
In: Chemistry
There was nothing supernatural about the Dyatlov pass incident, it was just an until then unknown type of avalanche which killed some of the campers and the rest died of hypothermia after their camp was destroyed and they exhibited behaviors that are well known in cases of hypothermia. Whatever radiation was found was likely contamination from [the gas mantle of a portable lantern that often contain radioactive thorium](https://orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/consumer/products-containing-thorium/gas-lantern-mantles.html). The lantern was likely smashed open and contaminated one victims clothes in the avalanche that caused the deaths.
In fact, that is how most things “get radioactive”. They are dirtied by a radioactive material, either naturally occurring which has been refined and concentrated by humans, or man-made in a nuclear reactor or particle accelerator. It is this radioactive material sticking to the object that is the source of the radiation.
Why radioactive materials are radioactive is also well understood: Some atomic nuclei are unstable and will randomly break apart into smaller pieces, sending off small particles at great speed. These particles are nuclear radiation and have enough energy to knock electrons bound to atoms loose, causing errant chemical reactions. Occasionally the vibration of the resulting parts will also emit a very high-energy light particle called a gamma ray which is another type of nuclear radiation. How often nuclei of a certain type tend to fall apart is their “activity”, more activity -> more radiation.
Latest Answers