1.2 - Basic Ideas About Atoms Flashcards
Atomic Number
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Mass Number
The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
Isotope
Atoms having the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
Ions
A particle where the number of electrons does not equal the number of protons. Has an electrical charge due to loss or gain of electrons.
Alpha-particle
A helium nucleus (Two protons and two neutrons). Positively charged.
Beta-particle
A stream of fast moving, high-energy electrons - negatively charged
Gamma-particle
A high energy EM wave
Define Radioactive decay
The process of emitting radiation by unstable isotopes when their nucleu divides.
Penetrating power of each radiation
MOST -
Gamma - Several cm of lead or M of concrete
Beta - Stopped by mm of aluminium
Alpha - Stopped by paper / air
Effect of an electric field on radiation?
- Gamma rays are unaffected
- Beta particles are negatively charged and so are deflected toward the positive plate
-Alpha particles are positively charge and so deflect toward the negative plate.
-Alpha is LARGER and SLOW MOVING so deflects slower than beta
Alpha Emission effect on element
Mass = -4
Atomic No. = -2
4
2 α
Define Electron Capture
Also called Inverse Beta
An orbital electron is captured by a proton in the nucleus
This forms a neutron and emits a neutrino
Beta Emission effect on element
Mass = 0
Atomic No. = +1
0
-1 β
Electron Capture effect on element
Mass = 0
Atomic No. = -1 (Lost a proton)
Electron is on LHS of equation
40 0 40
19 K + -1 e- —-> 18 Ar
Positron Emission effect on element
(β+ decay)
Mass = 0
Atomic No. = -1
0
1 β ON RHS
Define Positron Emission
β+ decay
A proton is converted into a neutron while releasing a positron
Gamma Emission effect on element
No affect on mass or atomic no.
Just and Y symbol on the end of equation
Which is the only emission that affects mass?
Alpha - Mass number -4
Because 4 is the mass number of a helium nucleus