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Physics 1 > Atomic structure > Flashcards

Atomic structure Flashcards

1
Q

Explain what happens in the process of nuclear fusion.

A

Two lighter more unstable nuclei fuse together to form a heavier more stable nucleus. Some mass is converted to energy.

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2
Q

State two advantages of fuel for fusion over fuel for fission.

A
  • Fusion uses fuel that can be more easily extracted
  • Fusion uses fuel that is available in a large amount
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3
Q

Explain how the distance at which an electron orbits the nucleus may be changed.

A

Absorbing EM radiation. Electron moves to a higher energy level further away from the nucleus.

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4
Q

Give 3 examples of man-made background radiation.

A
  • X rays
  • nuclear weapons (testing)
  • nuclear fallout
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5
Q

Explain advantage of a short half life.

A

Activity decreases quickly so risk of harm decreases quickly - more safe.

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6
Q

Explain the risk of alpha radiation INSIDE the body.

A

Alpha is highly ionising. Increases risk of cancer as can ionise living cells and cause cell damage. Until material is removed.

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7
Q

Explain how smoke detectors work.

A

Smoke absorbs alpha radiation so signal goes off.

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8
Q

Explain why beta and gamma can’t be used as smoke detectors.

A

More penetrating (than alpha) so will pass through smoke and no change will be detected.

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9
Q

Explain how energy released by a chain reaction is affected by moving control rods.

A

Moved up and down to control the number of neutrons absorbed. Lowering increases number absorbed (by rods) so energy released decreases.

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10
Q

Explain the process of fission.

A
  • Large unstable nucleus usually has to absorb a neutron as spontaneous fission is rare
  • Splits forming two smaller more stable nuclei
  • Releases 2/3 neutrons which can induce more fission -> chain reaction
  • Releases excess energy emitted by gamma rays
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11
Q

What can excess energy in fission be used for?

A

Heat water to make steam to turn turbines and generators (for electricity for National Grid)

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12
Q

Give 3 natural sources of background radiation.

A
  • Cosmic rays
  • Rocks
  • Gas
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13
Q

How is fission used to produce electricity.

A

A small mass of unstable uranium absorbs a neutron and releases a lot of energy continuously. This is very reliable. The energy from this process of fission is used to heat water so it’s steam turns a turbine which powers a generator to produce electricity.

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14
Q

Define artificial background radiation and give three examples

A

Deliberate radiation ie X rays, nuclear power, nuclear accidents

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15
Q

Define natural background radiation

A

Not deliberate radiation

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16
Q

Explain how gamma reacts to a magnetic field.

A

Count rate stays the same, gamma does not have a charge so is not affected by a magnetic field

17
Q

Why are radioactive objects stored in lead lined boxes?

A

Lead absorbs radiation so less is emitted

18
Q

Suggest three reasons why a person may receive a higher average dose of background radiation.

A
  • Living at (high) altitudes
  • Many regular X rays (than average)
  • Working at a nuclear power station
19
Q

Explain the ideal properties of a radioactive source for use in medical diagnosis

A
  • Short half life so less damage to cells
  • Gamma radiation emitter
  • Low ionising power so less damage to cells
  • Highly penetrating so can be detected outside the body
20
Q

Explain how risk of internal contamination is different from external by alpha radiation

A
  • Alpha weakly penetrating so absorbed by skin (and only a few cm in air) so externally less risk
  • Internally higher risk as alpha is highly ionising so is absorbed by tissues causing greater harm/damage to cells
21
Q

Compare the structure of any two isotopes

A
  • Same number of protons and electrons
  • Different number of neutrons
22
Q

Explain why alpha particles deflect at an angle.

A

Nucleus has a positive charge and alpha particles are positively charged and like charges repel

23
Q

What is the order of discovery for the atom?

A

Electron
Nucleus
Proton
Neutron

Physics 1 (4 decks)

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