The word “curie” has two primary meanings:
1. In the context of physics and chemistry, a curie (symbol: Ci) is a unit of radioactivity. It is defined as the quantity of radioactive material that disintegrates at a rate of 3.7 × 10^10 disintegrations per second, which is approximately the activity of 1 gram of radium-226. The unit is named after the physicist Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie, who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity.
2. In historical context, “Curie” can also refer to the last name of Marie Curie, a renowned scientist known for her work in radioactivity, and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
The word can be used in scientific discussions, particularly those related to radioactivity and nuclear physics.
