Chapter 7- Radioactivity Flashcards
Why do radioactive material emit radiation?
So they can become more stable
Where does the radiation come from?
The nucleus
What are the three types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta and Gamma
What is alpha made of?
2 protons and 2 neutrons The charge is positive The mass is 4 The range in the air is a few cm Paper can stop it
What is Beta?
A fast moving electron It is negative Is mass is almost 0 It’s range is 1m It is stopped by a few cm of aluminium
What is gamma?
It’s Em radiation and is a wave It has no change It has no mass It can go a long way It gets through lots of lead
What are isotopes?
They are atoms which have the same amount of protons but different neutrons
Which is the most ionising?
Alpha
Which is the least ionising?
Gamma
What is the half- life?
The time for half of the number of radioactive atoms to decay
What is nuclear fusion?
Nuclear atoms fusing together
What is nuclear fission?
Atoms splitting apart
Describe nuclear fission-
Neutrons hit the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons come off of these and hit more nucleus’
What is nuclear fusion?
Nuclear atoms fusing together
Where does fusion happen naturally?
In sun and stars where they use it to release energy
What are the problems with nuclear fusion ?
It takes a long time
Why would fusion be a good source of energy?
It is safe
Not much radiation
Not much nuclear waste
Radioactive decay…
Unstable atoms losing energy
Atomic number…
Protons
Mass number…
Protons and neutrons
Isotope…
Different amount of protons
Irradiated…
Exposure to radiation
Ionisation…
Loosing or gaining electrons to become an ion
Count rate…
Total rate/ total time
