Caesium-137 facts for kids
Caesium-137 (say "SEE-zee-um one-thirty-seven") is a special type of caesium. It is a radioactive element. This means it gives off energy as it slowly changes into other elements. Caesium-137 is often made when nuclear power plants split atoms. It is a common by-product of this process.
What is Caesium-137?
Caesium-137 is an isotope of caesium. An isotope is like a cousin of an element. It has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. This makes it a bit different from other types of caesium. Caesium-137 is known for being radioactive.
How is it Made?
Caesium-137 is mainly created during nuclear fission. This happens when a heavy atom, like uranium, splits into smaller atoms. This splitting releases a lot of energy. It also creates new, lighter elements. Caesium-137 is one of these new elements. It is a common "fission product" in nuclear reactors.
What is Half-Life?
Caesium-137 has a half-life of about 30 years. A half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay. After 30 years, half of the Caesium-137 will have changed into something else. After another 30 years, half of what's left will decay. This means it takes a long time for Caesium-137 to disappear completely.
Where is it Found?
Because of its long half-life, Caesium-137 can stay in the environment for many years. It is often found in areas affected by nuclear accidents. For example, places like Chernobyl in Ukraine and Fukushima in Japan have Caesium-137 contamination. This means the soil, water, and even plants in these areas can have this radioactive material. Scientists monitor these areas carefully.
