Radiation does not "stick" to objects in the same way that substances like glue or adhesive would. When we say that an object is radioactive, it means that the object contains or emits radiation due to the presence of unstable atomic nuclei.
In the case of radioactive materials like those found in Chernobyl, the radioactivity is a result of the atomic nuclei undergoing radioactive decay. During radioactive decay, the unstable nuclei emit particles or electromagnetic radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or other types of radiation.
When these emitted particles or radiation interact with surrounding materials, they can cause ionization and other forms of damage. The nature and intensity of the radiation's interaction with the material depend on factors such as the type of radiation, its energy, and the composition of the material.
In the context of the Chernobyl incident, various materials became contaminated with radioactive particles and isotopes as a result of the nuclear reactor explosion. For example, graphite moderators and other reactor components in the vicinity of the explosion were exposed to intense radiation. The radiation caused the graphite to become activated, meaning it acquired radioactive isotopes through neutron capture or other processes.
Contaminated materials or objects can continue to emit radiation until the radioactive isotopes decay and become stable. Cleaning up radioactive contamination involves various methods, including decontamination, isolation, and disposal of the contaminated materials.
It's important to note that radioactive materials can emit radiation, but the radiation itself does not "stick" to objects in a way that can be easily removed or transferred. Instead, the contamination occurs when radioactive particles or isotopes become embedded or attached to surfaces or materials, making them sources of radiation themselves.