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CIE IGCSE Physics > Atomic physics > Flashcards

Atomic physics Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the structure of an atom

A

Positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons

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2
Q

Describe how the scattering of α-particles by thin metal foils provides evidence for the nuclear atom

A
  1. Majority of them go straight through
  2. Some are slightly deflected
  3. Very few are deflected straight back
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3
Q

Which experiment investigates the scattering of α-particles?

A

Rutherford’s gold foil experiment

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4
Q

What is the nucleon number also referred to as?

A

Mass number

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5
Q

What is the proton number also referred to as?

A

Atomic number

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6
Q

What is meant by the term nuclide?

A

A nucleus with a specific combination of protons and neutrons

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7
Q

What is an isotope?

A

Atoms of the same elements with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons

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8
Q

What is nuclear fission?

A

The splitting of nuclei to release energy

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9
Q

What is nuclear fusion?

A

The joining of nuclei to release energy

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10
Q

What is background radiation?

A

Radiation that is always present around us in the environment

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11
Q

What is an artificial source of background radiation?

A

X-rays used in medical procedures

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12
Q

How do radiation detectors work?

A

Detect the presence of ions or the chemical changes they produce

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13
Q

What are 5 examples of radiation detectors?

A
  1. Photographic film
  2. Geiger-Muller (GM) tubes
  3. Ionisation chambers
  4. Scintillation chambers
  5. Spark chambers
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14
Q

What are 3 types of radiation?

A
  1. Alpha particles
  2. Beta particles
  3. Gamma rays
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15
Q

What is the nature of alpha particle emissions?

A

High energy

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16
Q

What is the nature of beta particle emissions?

A

High energy

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17
Q

What is the nature of gamma ray emissions?

A

High energy electromagnetic waves

18
Q

What is the ionising effect of an alpha particle?

A

Very strong

19
Q

What is the ionising effect of a beta particle?

A

Weak

20
Q

What is the ionising effect of a gamma ray?

A

Very weak

21
Q

What is the relative penetrating ability of an alpha particle?

A

Stopped by paper

22
Q

What is the relative penetrating ability of a beta particle?

A

Stopped by a few mm of aluminium

23
Q

What is the relative penetrating ability of a gamma ray?

A

Only reduced by lead

24
Q

Describe the deflection of alpha particles in a magnetic field

A

Slightly deflected

25
Q

Describe the deflection of beta particles in a magnetic field

A

Greatly deflected

26
Q

Describe the deflection of gamma rays in a magnetic field

A

No deflection

27
Q

Describe the deflection of alpha particles in an electric field

A

Slightly deflected

28
Q

Describe the deflection of beta particles in an electric field

A

Greatly deflected

29
Q

Describe the deflection of gamma rays in an electric field

A

No deflection

30
Q

Why are alpha and beta particles ionising?

A

They are charged

31
Q

What is a natural source of background radiation?

A

Underground rocks

32
Q

Why are beta particles deflected more than alpha particles?

A

They have a significantly smaller mass

33
Q

What are 4 applications of radiation?

A
  1. Measuring the thickness of materials
  2. Tracers
  3. Radiotherapy
  4. Sterilisation
34
Q

Which particles are used to measure the thickness of materials?

A

Beta

35
Q

What is radioactive decay?

A

Spontaneous disintegration of an unstable nucleus into a more stable one

36
Q

What happens during α- or β-decay?

A

The nucleus changes to that of a different element

37
Q

What is meant by the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

A

Time taken for the activity of any given sample to fall to half its original value

38
Q

What are the effects of ionising radiations on living

things?

A
  1. Causes mutations
  2. Causes cancer
  3. Kills the cell
39
Q

Describe how radioactive materials can be handled in a safe way

A

Pick up with a pair of tongs

40
Q

Describe how radioactive materials can be used in a safe way

A

It is left out of its container for as short a time as possible

41
Q

Describe how radioactive materials can be stored in a safe way

A

Store in a lead container

CIE IGCSE Physics (6 decks)

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