Nuclear Decay And Radiation Flashcards
What is an isotope
Atoms of the same element w the same atomic number but different mass sum
Same protons diff neutrons
What is a radioisotope
Atoms w unstable nuclei- they eject particles/electromagnetic waves & undergo nuclear decay
Three types of radiation
Alpha beta gamma
How are alpha particles released from unstable atoms
Nucleus ejects particle when its mass number is more than 100
ratio of neutrons/protons low
how are beta particles released
neutron turns into proton
Ejects beta particle like electron
How is gamma radiation released
When protons and neutrons rearrange
Propetries of alpha particles
Very heavy large
High atomic number
Eg uranium radium thorium
Properties of beta particles
Equivalent to electron
Decays in carbon dating
Properties of gamma rays
Electromagnetic waves not partixles
No mass
Travels fast
harmful rays
Protection against alpha particles
layer of dead skin
Sheet of paper
Protection against beta
Thin plate of aluminium
Protection against gamma
Thick layer of concrete/soil/lead
Effects of radiation
Damages DNA of our crlls
Long term health effects
damages environment-infertile soil
What is half life
Amount of time taken for half a group of atoms to decay
Why use half life
The time it takes for one half of a radioactive isotope is a fixed constant
