3 ms·
> Dose rates at the surface of the pacemaker are approximately 5 to 15 mrem per hour from the emitted gamma rays and neutrons. Where are these gamma rays and n
by jandrewrogers 1y ago
> Dose rates at the surface of the pacemaker are approximately 5 to 15 mrem per hour from the emitted gamma rays and neutrons.
Where are these gamma rays and neutrons coming from? The decay chain for Pu-238 is via alpha emission (Pu-238 -> U-234 -> Th-230 -> ...) which won't penetrate the casing.
- Horffupolde 1y agoPossibly Pu-239 or other impurities.
- acidburnNSA 1y agoNot sure about neutrons. Gammas, or x-rays at least, could come from bremmstrahlung.
- pfdietz 1y agoAlpha particles will produce secondary radiation occasionally when they hit light nuclei. The oxygen in the Pu oxide is almost entirely O-16 to minimize neutron production.
- bobmcnamara 1y agoSome very small portion of Pu-238 will eventually pass through Tl-210 -> Pb-209.
- cyberax 1y agoAll U and Pu isotopes undergo spontaneous fission, producing neutrons and random daughter products.