types of radiation Flashcards
(13 cards)
what is decay and examples
process of when an unstable nucleus emits radiation to become more stable
alpha beta gamma raditation
what does it mean when a nuclei is unstable
there’s a different amount of protons and neutrons
isotope meaning
same element with same numbers of protons but differing numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.
why are radioactive emotions increasing
increasing amount of unstable atomic nuclei
“characteristics” of radiation alpha, beta and gamma and penetrating power
2 neutrons 2 protons, helium nucleus - 2+ charge
large so not penetrating but very ionising
0 mass, -1 charge, high energy electron (when neutron decays to proton and electron, and fired out the electron)
small so moderately penetrating and ionising
no mass no charge - electromagnetic waves
very penetrating, weakly ionising
which radiation is most harmful outside and inside the body and why
alpha inside as least penetrating but most ionising
beta and gamma can penetrate skin but pass through and not ionising
how are low level radioactivity stored
special containers and buried in secure landfill sites
what is high level radioactive waste and how is it stored
long half life - radioactive for 1000s of years
cooled in pool, stored in glass blocks then in metal canisters then buried deep underground
non geographical as could leak and contaminate water so people don’t want to live near
not in space as high risk and cost
why is there variations in count rate and how to make results mire accurate during experiments
radioactive decay is random process
repeat readings / measurement over a long time period
equation for half life
activity = initial activity/2n (power)
how to get rid of background radiation in results
count rate - bg rate
man made bg radiation
x rays
accidents in nuclear power stations
experimenting nuclear weapons
natural bg radiation and how do ppl protect from one of them
from granite rocks underground - radon gas
special flooring installed and ventilation
cosmic rays from space
