How do things become radioactive

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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

6 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Stuff typically become radioactive because of contamination. That is when radioactive material in the environment stick to the object. 

Clothes get dirty when you use them, if dirt is radioactive then the dirty clothes get radioactive too. It is not just solids, if you are in a smoky environment your clothes starts to smell of smoke to. 

Neutron radiation can make non radioactive atoms radioactive trough transmutation, but it is a lot rarer  then contamination unless it I material that is close to a neutron radiation source like a nuclear reactor for a long time

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