Question

Natural radioactivity was discovered by ?
a.) Rutherford
b.) Becquerel
c.) Curie
d.) Schmidt

Answer 1

Radioactivity, property exhibited by certain types of matter of emitting energy and subatomic particles spontaneously. It is, in essence, an attribute of individual atomic nuclei. The discoverer of natural radioactivity is also known as the father of radioactivity.

Complete Solution :
We know that the spontaneous disintegration of certain nuclei to form new elements gives us an active radiation which affects photographic plates and affects electric and magnetic fields. This is known as radioactivity.
- In the year 1985, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen found under observation that a fluorescence penetrated the opaque black paper in Crookes tube and later it was coined as x-rays.
- This opened the door for the possibility of radioactivity discovery.
- Like Thomson’s discovery of the electron, the discovery of radioactivity in uranium was by a French scientist named Henri Becquerel in 1896 forced scientists to radically change their ideas about atomic structure.
- Radioactivity demonstrated that the atom was neither indivisible nor immutable. Instead of serving merely as an inert matrix for electrons, the atom could change form and emit an enormous amount of energy.
Furthermore, radioactivity itself became an important tool for revealing the interior of the atom.

Let us understand more about radioactivity.
Radioactivity: In radioactive processes, particles or electromagnetic radiation are emitted from the nucleus. Nuclear radiation occurs in other forms, including the emission of protons or neutrons or spontaneous fission of a massive nucleus. Of the nuclei found on Earth, the vast majority are stable.
- Although Becquerel’s idea of radioactivity was qualitative, he is considered to be the discoverer of natural radioactivity.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: There are many radioactive products that can be purchased and pose no health threats to humans. Bananas, smoke detectors, some ceramic dishware, cat litter, beer, and Brazil nuts are all radioactive.
- The application of radioactive material is often used in industries and medicinal purposes. We use radioactive elements in nuclear reactors and isotope infused saline solutions. These new age technologies enable us to utilize a greater amount of energy.