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Radioactive materials can emit radiation which can interact with nearby molecules, causing them to emit light. This phenomenon is known as Cherenkov radiation and is responsible for the glowing effect seen in some radioactive substances.

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Q: What causes radioactive things to glow?
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At night the ruined city gave off a radioactive glow which could be seen for miles?

The radioactive glow emitted by the ruined city at night was visible for miles around due to the presence of radioactive materials that emitted light as a byproduct of their decay. This eerie glow served as a haunting reminder of the devastation that had befallen the city.


Does radioactive materials glow green?

Some radioactive materials can emit a green glow under certain conditions due to the phenomenon called Cherenkov radiation, which occurs when charged particles travel through a medium faster than the speed of light in that medium. This is commonly seen in nuclear reactors with certain types of fuel rods. However, not all radioactive materials exhibit this green glow.


What makes a compass radioactive?

The compass itself is not radioactive, the part that is radioactive is the backing. Compasses with glow-in-the-dark backings that aren't connected to electricity are laced with small amounts of radioactive material to make them glow. Radioactive compasses are typically from World War II and Korean War era fighter planes. There are accounts of WWII pilots getting cancer from faulty compasses. I'm not saying that they are extremely dangerous and you should throw them away or avoid buying them, but you probably shouldn't handle or be around one constantly. -Brett Crider


Does mendelevium glow?

Mendelevium is not known to glow on its own. However, when it undergoes radioactive decay, it may emit radiation which can be detected using specialized equipment.


What causes friction on a meteroid and makes it glow?

The atmosphere of the earth.

Related questions

Do radioacvtive substances glow?

Yes. Radioactive substances glow .


What makes some substances glow?

Radioactive


Is it unusual for semen to glow in the dark?

Not if it is radioactive or you are an alien


Does nuclear waste glow green?

No- but it looks good in the comics. Most radioactive waste does not glow in ANY color. Very high level radioactive may exhibit Cherenkov radiation effects, and glow blue or purple.


What causes radioactives pollution?

The release of radioactive substances in the atmosphere leads to radioactive pollution. Only the radioactive wastes cause the radioactive pollution. Nuclear material is pure and they are not the factor for causing radioactive pollution. The waste discarded improperly only causes radioactive pollution.The following causes the radioactive pollution in high rangeNuclear power plantsCoal fired power plantsUranium plantsThe above said power plants release radioactive wastes to the atmosphere. During their release or transportation of radioactive wastes, the radioactive pollution occurs.


Are minerals that glow in the dark radioactive?

Not necessarily. Some minerals can glow in the dark due to a phenomenon known as phosphorescence or fluorescence without being radioactive. However, there are radioactive minerals that can also exhibit this glowing property due to their radioactivity, such as minerals containing uranium or thorium.


What radioactive element was mixed with zinc sulphide to make glow in the dark paint wristbands?

Radium was the radioactive element that was mixed with zinc sulfide to make glow-in-the-dark paint for wristbands.


What radioactive element was once used as a glow-in-the-dark paint?

Radium was the radioactive element used in glow-in-the-dark paint in the early 20th century. Its radioactive properties caused the paint to glow, but it was later discovered to be hazardous to health and discontinued for such use.


At night the ruined city gave off a radioactive glow which could be seen for miles?

The radioactive glow emitted by the ruined city at night was visible for miles around due to the presence of radioactive materials that emitted light as a byproduct of their decay. This eerie glow served as a haunting reminder of the devastation that had befallen the city.


Does actinium glow in the dark?

Yes. because actinium is extremely radioactive.


How do you know if a meteor is radioactive?

Meteors are typically not radioactive as they are composed of various elements and minerals found in space. However, if a meteorite were to contain radioactive materials, it would need to be tested using specialized equipment to detect radiation levels.


Are glow sticks radioactive?

No, glow sticks are not radioactive. They emit light through a chemical reaction, typically involving hydrogen peroxide and a phenyl oxalate ester. The light emitted is a result of this chemical reaction, not radioactivity.