Inside of an atom Flashcards
What is an atom number?
It is the number of protons in the atoms nucleus
What does the mass number consist of?
It is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
6
C How many protons, neutrons, and electrons
12
Protons=6
Neutrons=6
Electrons=6
47
Ag How many protons, neutrons, and electrons
107.8682
Protons = 47 Neutrons= 61 Electrons= 47
What are isotopes?
Atoms that have the same number of protons but different number of neutrons are referred to as isotopes.
What are radioisotopes?
An unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable
Define half-life
The rate at which nuclear decay takes place is measured by a radioisotope’s half-life.
Alpha consists of…
- 2 protons
- 2 neutrons
- A helium nucleus
Beta consists of…
- An electron
- Turns a neutron into a proton
Gamma consists of…
- Rearrangement of the core
- Releases electromagnetic radiation
Alpha decay is…
The loss of 2 protons means that the type of atom that is left is different to the one it started as (transmutation).
Define Nuclear decay
the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
Negative effects of nuclear radiation
- skin burns
- damage to healthy cells
Positive effects of nuclear radiation
- medical diagnosis
- radiotherapy
What can block alpha
by skin or paper
