Troxler 3411-B, Manual Of Operation And Instruction, Page: 78 / 109

Appendix B-2
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
a
n
n
d
d
S
S
a
a
f
f
e
e
t
t
y
y
For a more detailed discussion of radiological theory, please
reference the
Troxler Nuclear Gauge Safety Training Program
manual, provided during the Troxler safety class or is available
for purchase at our website (http://www.troxlerlabs.com).
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 11). An
atom is normally electrically neutral because the positive
protons cancel out the negative electrons.
Protons carry a positive charge and are described as having a
mass of one. Neutrons have a neutral charge and also have a
mass of one. Electrons carry a negative charge and essentially
have no mass.
Figure 12. Diagram of an Atom