Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'radioactivity'

English Word: radioactivity

Key Russian Translations:

• радиоактивность (/rəˌdʲi.ɐ.ɡʲɪ.tʲɪv.nəsʲtʲ/) - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, technical, and environmental contexts, but not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding scientific terminology and basic physics concepts; suitable for learners with some exposure to technical Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

радиоактивность: /rəˌdʲi.ɐ.ɡʲɪ.tʲɪv.nəsʲtʲ/ (Stress on the fourth syllable; note the palatalized 'тʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

Note on радиоактивность: The word features a soft 'гʲ' and 'тʲ', which are common in Russian but may sound like a 'y' glide to English ears. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The emission of ionizing radiation from atomic nuclei, often associated with nuclear decay.

Translation(s) & Context:

• радиоактивность - Used in formal scientific, environmental, or medical contexts to describe the property of radioactive materials; common in discussions about nuclear energy or contamination.

Usage Examples:

• В этом районе наблюдается высокая радиоактивность из-за аварии на заводе.

  In this area, high radioactivity is observed due to the factory accident.

• Учёные изучают радиоактивность в космосе для понимания происхождения звёзд.

  Scientists study radioactivity in space to understand the origin of stars.

• Радиоактивность материалов в лаборатории строго контролируется для безопасности.

  The radioactivity of materials in the laboratory is strictly controlled for safety.

• Повышенная радиоактивность в воде может привести к серьёзным проблемам со здоровьем.

  Increased radioactivity in water can lead to serious health problems.

• В школьном курсе физики объясняется, как измеряется радиоактивность.

  In the school physics course, it is explained how radioactivity is measured.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Радиоактивность" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian) and follows the standard patterns of third-declension nouns. It is invariable in form for most uses but changes according to case and number as per Russian grammar rules. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • радиация (radiation; more general, often used interchangeably but focuses on the rays themselves rather than the property).
  • излучение (emission; implies the process but less specific to nuclear contexts).
• Antonyms:
  • стабильность (stability; refers to non-radioactive, stable atomic states).

Related Phrases:

• Радиоактивное загрязнение - Radioactive contamination; used in environmental discussions about pollution from nuclear incidents.
• Уровень радиоактивности - Level of radioactivity; common in scientific measurements and safety reports.
• Радиоактивный распад - Radioactive decay; refers to the process in nuclear physics.

Usage Notes:

"Радиоактивность" directly corresponds to the English "radioactivity" and is primarily used in formal, technical contexts such as science, medicine, and environmental science. It is a neuter-leaning feminine noun, so ensure proper agreement with adjectives and verbs in sentences. For English speakers, be cautious of its declension in different cases, as Russian requires adjustments for grammatical flow. When choosing between synonyms like "радиация," opt for "радиоактивность" when emphasizing the inherent property of materials rather than the emitted radiation itself. This word is rarely used in informal speech, so it's ideal for academic or professional settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "радиоактивность" with "радиация" and using them interchangeably without context. For example, an English learner might say "Высокая радиация в воздухе" when meaning "radioactivity," but this could imply just the rays, not the material's property.

  Correct: "Высокая радиоактивность в воздухе" (High radioactivity in the air). Explanation: "Радиоактивность" specifies the state, while "радиация" refers to the radiation itself; use the former for discussions about sources like isotopes.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., using "радиоактивность" in the genitive case as "радиоактивность" instead of "радиоактивности." For instance, "Измерение радиоактивность" (incorrect).

  Correct: "Измерение радиоактивности" (Measurement of radioactivity). Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "радиоактивность" is often associated with significant events like the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which heightened public awareness of nuclear risks. This term evokes themes of environmental catastrophe and scientific advancement, reflecting Russia's complex relationship with nuclear technology during the Soviet era. Understanding this context can help English learners grasp the emotional and historical weight behind its usage in modern discussions.

Related Concepts:

• радиация
• ядерная энергия
• излучение
• загрязнение