Unit 2.9: Nuclear decay and nuclear energy Flashcards
What is an isotope?
A different form of the same element, with extra or less neutrons than usual
Usually, how many stable isotopes are there for each element?
Only one or two
Why does a nucleus decay?
Because it is unstable
What are the types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta and Gamma.
What is alpha radiation?
Made from two neutrons and two protons, it is the same as helium nucleus but has a charge of +2. They are relatively big, heavy and slow moving.
What is Beta radiation?
It is a high energy electron, with a -1 charge. They are small and quite fast. They are emitted when a neutron turns into a proton in the nucleus.
What is gamma radiation?
After releasing alpha and beta radiation, a nucleus may expel excess energy which is a gamma, or electromagnetic wave. They have no mass or charge and they don’t change the original atom.
