radioactivity

Question 1

What are isotopes?

Answer 1

Atoms with same number of protons but different number of neutrons (so different mass number)

Question 2

What causes nuclei to decay?

Answer 2

Random process, not affected by physical or chemical conditions

Question 3

What are the three types of radiation emitted from the nucleus?

Answer 3

Alpha, beta and gamma rays

Question 4

Name four sources of background radiation

Answer 4

1. Things around us (food, buildings, rocks…)
2. Space (cosmic rays)
3. Living things
4. Human activity (eg nuclear explosions or nuclear waste)