Nuclear Reactions

Question 1

Nuclear Reactions

Answer 1

Converting an atom of an element to a different element

Question 2

Nuclear Decay

Answer 2

The nucleus of an atom sometimes releases either energy or particles

Only atoms that are not stable will undergo nuclear decay

Carbon-14 is an example of radioisotope as it is an isotope that undergoes nuclear decay and is thus radioactive

Question 3

Alpha Decay

Answer 3

Where an atom emits an alpha particle, consist of a helium of 2 protons and 2 neutrons from its nucleus

Has the symbol a, ox

It is heavy and move relatively slowly at 10% the speed of light

Charge of +2

Question 4

Beta Decay

Answer 4

Where an atom ejects a beta particle (identical to an electron) from its nucleus
The beta particle has a symbol of B, tilted to the right
They are very light and move at high speed, 90% speed of light
Beta decay turns neutron into a proton, resulting in change in element
The mass number remains the same

Charge of -1

Question 5

Gamma Decay

Answer 5

Where an atom does not eject a particle, instead it ejects a very high energy form of light called gamma ray
Gamma ray has a symbol of Y
These rays are very dangerous and are more powerful than x-rays

Question 6

Half Life

Answer 6

The rate that a radioisotope undergoes nuclear decay, that is the time taking for half of the radioactive atoms to decay

Question 7

Effects of radiation

Answer 7

Radiation burns:
Beta particles and Gamma rays have the ability to penetrate our bodies and damage our cells, causing diseases such as cancer

Medical applications:
If someone has cancer, doctors can fire radiation at the cancerous cells to destroy them, but also damages healthy cells, so the treatment has side effects like hair loss and nausea