3.4 Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards

1
Q

What is a radioisotope?

A

An isotope whose nuclei break down spontaneously, emitting radioactive particles or rays

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2
Q

What is radioactive decay?

A

The rearrangement of an unstable nucleus into a more stable nucleus by a release of energy in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma radiation

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3
Q

What are alpha particles (α)?

A
  • They consist of two protons and two neutrons
  • They have a double positive charge
  • They have a range of only a few centimetres in air
  • They are stopped by a piece of paper
  • They will be attracted towards a negatively charged plate
  • They are helium ions
  • They have a mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2
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4
Q

What are beta particles (β)?

A
  • They are electrons ejected from the nucleus of an atom
  • They are formed by a neutron splitting into a proton and an electron
  • They are able to travel over a metre in air
  • They can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium
  • They will be attracted towards a positively charged plate
  • They have a mass number of 0 and an atomic number of -1
  • They have a charge of -1
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5
Q

What are gamma rays (γ)?

A
  • They are electromagnetic waves emitted from within the nucleus of an atom
  • They can travel very far in air
  • They can only be stopped by materials such as lead or concrete.
  • They are not deflected by an electric field
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6
Q

What happens to the atomic and mass numbers of an element emitting an alpha particle?

A

The mass number decreases by 4
The atomic number decreases by 2

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7
Q

What happens to the atomic and mass numbers of an element emitting a beta particle?

A

The mass number stays the same
The atomic number increases by 1

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8
Q

What happens to the atomic and mass numbers of an element emitting a gamma ray?

A

Nothing, as a gamma ray is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and has no charge or mass

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9
Q

What is half life?

A

The time it takes for the radioactivity of an isotope to half

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10
Q
A
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