Marie Curie: Radium, Polonium

By Rhythm Prism

Marie Curie was one of the most remarkable scientists of the modern age. She trail blazed in atomic science, in education and in applying radiation to medical uses. She was intelligent, determined, ethical and unassuming. Her contributions to the study of radioactivity laid the groundwork for a generation of scientists. In this brief book, the reader is introduced, in basic terms, to Marie Curie and her life work. It is written for the lay reader, not for someone with a science background.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhythm Prism
• Release date: Mar 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311991928

Rhythm Prism

Rhythm Prism's catalogue is constantly growing. The most recent additions are geared toward a general readership. These newer books do not eclipse our earlier issues. These encompass adult/youth writing development and education for school-age youth.All of Rhythm Prism's books are guided by a few basic principles: learning is a lifelong process; complex material can be explained in simple terms; pictures always enhance text; responsible research is essential to every work of nonfiction. There's a final, over-arching principle: don't bore the reader.A wide range of subjects is covered. This ambitious scope is a reflection of our writer's perspective. A. G. Moore has been a teacher, a student, a researcher and an author. Each of these skills is evident in the books she produces.Please take a look at our books for adults and youth. Check back regularly because we are always developing new material.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Determined to Learn

Portrait of Marie Curie, Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images on Creative Commons Attribution license

When she was a young scientist on the threshold of making groundbreaking discoveries, Marie Curie had the habit of carrying a tiny lump of radium in her pocket. She'd tuck her hand deep inside her pocket and feel the warmth of the hidden treasure. She'd place a bit of the glowing material on her bed stand and watch it shine through the night. Marie wanted to understand the mysterious action that made her treasure glow warmly, and tirelessly. She knew that if she could understand this action, other secrets about the very heart of matter might be learned.

Years later, people praised Marie Curie for her work. Some called her the Mother of Modern Chemistry. Others called her the Mother of Modern Physics. She earned these honors by making many contributions. She identified radium and polonium. She coined the word 'radioactivity' and also explained that radioactivity comes from inside an atom. Marie Curie discovered that thorium is a radioactive element and she invented a portable X-ray