how can a scientist assess whether a pure niobium (nb) sample is responsible for contaminating the lab with…

how can a scientist assess whether a pure niobium (nb) sample is responsible for contaminating the lab with radioactivity?\n○ test the niobium sample to see whether it now contains other elements.\n○ test the niobium sample for the presence of niobium oxide compounds.\n○ heat the niobium, and see if the level of radioactivity in the lab increases.\n○ place the niobium under pressure, and see if the level of radioactivity in the lab increases.

how can a scientist assess whether a pure niobium (nb) sample is responsible for contaminating the lab with radioactivity?\n○ test the niobium sample to see whether it now contains other elements.\n○ test the niobium sample for the presence of niobium oxide compounds.\n○ heat the niobium, and see if the level of radioactivity in the lab increases.\n○ place the niobium under pressure, and see if the level of radioactivity in the lab increases.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Radioactive substances emit radiation under certain conditions. Heating a potentially radioactive sample can sometimes cause it to release more radiation if it is indeed radioactive. Testing for other elements or niobium - oxide compounds doesn't directly assess radioactivity. Placing under pressure is not a typical way to test for radioactivity release.

Answer:

Heat the niobium, and see if the level of radioactivity in the lab increases.