Protactinium234 is a beta-emitter with a half-life of about 70 seconds, and is ideal for the observation of radioactive decay in the classroom, with a clear decay curve pattern recordable during a single lesson.
The Protactinium Generator contains a uranium salt in acidic solution, plus a water-immiscible organic liquid. Pa234 is a product of the Uranium238 decay series and is soluble in this organic liquid. When the liquids are shaken together, the organic solvent selectively extracts the Pa234. When allowed to resettle, a physical separation into two layers occurs, with any Pa234 in the upper organic layer. A Geiger tube placed close to the upper part of the container can then be used to monitor the decay. (Other radioactive elements remain in the lower aqueous level and radiation from them is unable to penetrate the container to any significant extent.)
The generator is a sealed unit which is supplied in a protective outer container suitable for long-term storage. A CD supplied with the unit contains full instructions for safe handling and use together with MSDS and teachers’ notes.
