Quantitative Studies of Radiation-Induced Reactions in Aqueous Solution. I. Oxidation of Ferrous Sulfate by X- and γ-Radiation

Abstract

A study has been made of the oxidation of ferrous ions in 0.8N sulfuric acid solution by x- and γ-radiation in different types of system and using different energies of incident radiation. The conclusion is reached that simple modes of dosimetry, such as have been used in previous determinations of the ionic yields for a number of reactions induced by radiation in aqueous systems, are adequate if accuracy within 20 percent is all that is required. For greater precision, more rigorous methods have to be adopted, and using such a method, the ferrous sulfate system has been calibrated with a view to its possible use as a mode of integral dosimetry for aqueous media. Some speculations as to the mechanism of this particular reaction are included.