6. Radiation/Radioactivity Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
Isotopes
A
An atom of the same element with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
2
Q
Penetration
A
Alpha is the least (4-7 cm), beta can penetrate many cm in air & gamma can penetrate miles in air
3
Q
Ionisation
A
Alpha is high, beta is much less than alpha & gamma is much less than beta
4
Q
Alpha is stopped by…
A
paper
5
Q
Beta is stopped by…
A
lead
6
Q
Gamma is stopped by…
A
concrete
7
Q
B- decay
A
Neutron changes into a proton and electron. Mass number STAYS THE SAME but atomic number increases by 1.
8
Q
B+ decay
A
Proton becomes a neutron and positron (+ electron). Mass number STAYS THE SAME but atomic number decreases by 1.
9
Q
Half-life
A
The amount of time it takes half of the unstable nuclei to decay
10
Q
What effects does radiation have on the body?
A
- The radiation has an ionising effect
- This damages the DNA
- This can cause mutation
- May lead to cancer
