R
R
a
a
d
d
i
i
a
a
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
T
T
h
h
e
e
o
o
r
r
y
y
A more detailed discussion of radiological theory can be found in
the Troxler Nuclear Gauge Safety Training Program manual,
provided you have taken the Troxler Nuclear Gauge Safety
training course. Visit our website at www.troxlerlabs.com
for
more information.
Atomic Structure
All materials consist of chemical elements that cannot
decompose by ordinary chemical methods. Some examples are:
(H) Hydrogen (C) Carbon (O) Oxygen
(U) Uranium (Cf) Californium (Co) Cobalt
Each element contains an atom with a unique structure. The
atom consists of smaller particles such as protons, neutrons and
electrons. The protons and neutrons are grouped together in the
nucleus. The electrons orbit the nucleus (Figure 9). An atom is
normally electrically neutral because the positive protons cancel
out the negative electrons.