삼중수소의 베타 붕괴

개요

Tritium (hydrogen-3) undergoes beta decay to helium-3 with a half-life of 12.3 years, emitting a very low energy electron (max 18.6 keV). The low beta energy means tritium radiation cannot penetrate skin and is only hazardous if ingested or inhaled. Tritium is produced in nuclear reactors and by cosmic rays.

참여 물질

일상 속 예시

Self-luminous exit signs and watch dials use tritium gas sealed in phosphor-coated glass tubes that glow without batteries for over 10 years.

산업적 중요성

삼중수소는 자체 발광 장치, 수문학의 추적자, 핵무기, 그리고 D-T 핵융합로의 연료로 사용됩니다.