Topic 4 - atomic structure ( 3. radioactivity )

Question 1

what is radioactive decay

Answer 1

unstable isotopes tend to decay into other elements and give out radiation as they try to become more stable.

Question 2

how can you tell when an isotope is going to decay

Answer 2

you cannot it is random

Question 3

what are radioactive substances

Answer 3

emit ionising radiation. Ionising radiation is radiation that knocks off electrons from atoms, creating positive ions. they also spit out one or more types of ionising radiation from their nucleus as they decay, can also release neutrons

Question 4

what are the types of ionising radiation

Answer 4

alpha, beta, gamma

Question 5

Geiger Counter

Answer 5

A gas filled metal tube used to detect radiation

Question 6

what is alpha decay

Answer 6

process of a nucleus giving out an alpha particle. which is made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. strongly ionising and weakly penetrating.

Question 7

what is beta decay

Answer 7

process of a nucleus giving out a beta particle, which is an electron. it is moderately ionising and moderating penertrating.

Question 8

what is gamma decay

Answer 8

gamma decay is where a nucleus gives out gamma rays, which are short wavelength EM waves. weakly ionising and strongly penetrating.