Summarize the history of radioactivity by choosing the scientist(s) involved with each discovery.

Question

conducted experiments with uranium-containing minerals and pure uranium.

came up with the term “radioactivity.”

showed that uranium in a mineral gave off radiation even without being exposed to the Sun.

discovered radium and polonium.

conducted experiments with fluorescent minerals and photographic plates.

Answer 1

Here's a summary of the history of radioactivity along with the key scientists involved in each discovery:

1. Conducted experiments with uranium-containing minerals and pure uranium: Henri Becquerel - He discovered that uranium salts emitted radiation without an external energy source.

2. Came up with the term "radioactivity": Marie Curie - She coined the term "radioactivity" to describe the phenomenon of certain elements emitting radiation.

3. Showed that uranium in a mineral gave off radiation even without being exposed to the Sun: Henri Becquerel - He demonstrated that the radiation emitted by uranium was intrinsic to the mineral itself and not a result of sunlight.

4. Discovered radium and polonium: Marie Curie and Pierre Curie - They isolated radium and polonium in their research on radioactivity, contributing greatly to the understanding of these radioactive elements.

5. Conducted experiments with fluorescent minerals and photographic plates: Wilhelm Röntgen - While primarily known for discovering X-rays, Röntgen’s experiments with fluorescence and photographic methods also paved the way for understanding radiation phenomena, although the more direct radioactivity studies were conducted by Becquerel and the Curies.

This timeline highlights the important contributions of these scientists to the field of radioactivity.