P7 - Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
Alpha Particles
A
- Charge of +2, 2 protons and neutrons
- Low penetration
- Strongly Ionising
2
Q
Beta Particles
A
- No mass, -1 charge, just electrons
- Neutron from Nucleus decays into a Proton and Electron (which is emitted at a high speed)
- Moderately Ionising
- Moderate Penetration
3
Q
Gamma Particles
A
- Electromagnetic Radiation Waves, emitted after Alpha/Beta radiation
- Weakly Ionising, just passes through particles
- Strongly penetrated
- No charge
- Cannot be detected with Geiger Counter
4
Q
Cause of Neutron Emission
A
Too many neutrons in the Nucleus, making it unstable
5
Q
Nuclear Decay
A
Where an unstable Nuclei emits radiation to become stable
6
Q
Nuclear Fission
A
Large atom splits into smaller atoms
7
Q
Alpha Emission
A
- Take 4 away from its Atomic Number and 2 away from Proton Number
- Product would be the result of the subtraction + Helium
8
Q
Beta Emission
A
- Neutron turns into Proton + Electron, Atomic Mass is same (lost Neutron but gained Proton), Proton Number changes
- Product would be result of this + e
9
Q
Gamma Emission
A
Doesn’t change element at all, product is element + Gamma symbol
10
Q
Half-Life
A
Time taken from number of decay to half
11
Q
How does a Nucleus become unstable
A
Too many Protons/Neutrons in Nucleus
12
Q
Isotope
A
Different types of an element which has a different amount of Neutrons
13
Q
Uses of Alpha
A
Smoke Detectors
14
Q
Uses of Beta
A
Creating thin sheets of metal
15
Q
Uses of Gamma
A
Radiotherapy, Sterilization
