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Re: Radioactive SparkPlugs




Po-210 is an element in the uranium series of naturally occurring
radioactive isotopes. Probably the easiest way to get it is to isolate
Ra-226 (1622 year half-life), then capture the gaseous Rn-222 (3.8 day
half-life). The Rn-222 decays through six short-lived alpha and beta
emitters to Pb-210 (22 year half-life). The Pb-210 can be isolated (it
emits weak gammas and betas), and its two daughters Bi-210 and Po-210 will
grow into equilibrium with it. Po-210 decays almost entirely by an
energetic (5.3 MeV) alpha.....

From a practical point of view, it should not be too hard to
extract Pb-210 from radium-bearing ores directly. This would yield Po-210
pure enough for the spark plug application.

Dr. Mark H. Shapiro
Physics Department
California State University, Fullerton
P.O. Box 6866
Fullerton, California 92834-6866

Phone: ++ (714) 278-3884 PCS: ++ (714) 350-3575
Fax: ++ (714) 278-5810
e-mail: mshapiro@fullerton.edu