U3 - Isotopes Flashcards
Def: Isotopes
atoms with the same num of protons and atomic num, having different mass num
Name an isotope with an unstable nucleus
Uranium – 238.
Why do unstable isotopes split up
because they are unstable and tend to decay, so they split up and give off radiation in attempt to become stable
Def: Radioactive decay
process by which an unstable atomic nucleus gives off energy by emitting radiation, so as to become more stable
Eg. alpha, beta + gamma particles
Where does the energy come from to release this radiation
from the nucleus
Types of radioactive decay
alpha
beta
gamma
How is a beta particle formed
the neutron splits into protons and electrons, and the electron is shot out
How can you determine how long something is dead
by looking at the amount of Carbon-14 had decayed in the body
What happens to the carbon in your body when you die
the stable carbon stays behind and the unstable carbon undergoes radioactive decay
Name 2 unstable isotopes
Carbon-14
Uranium-238
Uses of radioactive isotopes
- Carbon dating
- Radiotherapy: Cobalt-60 used to kill cancer cells + emits gamma radiation, which can penetrate into the body to reach cancer cells and destroy them.
- Isotopes used to control thickness of paper,plastic
- U-235 used as a fuel in nuclear power stations to generate electricity
- Used as biochemical tracers e.g. detect leaks in underground pipes
Dangers of radioactive isotopes
- Can cause cancer
- Disposal of radioactive waste is problematic – remains dangerous for hundreds of
years
