17. Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

What is meant by a”radioisotope”?

Answer 1

An atom with an unstable nucleus

Question 2

Why causes some nuclei to be unstable?

Answer 2

Incorrect proton:neutron ratio

Question 3

What is the “band of stability”?

Answer 3

A region for elements where the p:n ratio is within stable limits

Question 4

What is meant by “ionising radiation”?

Answer 4

Radiation with energy to knock electrons off atoms.

Question 5

What are the 3 types of ionising radiation?

Answer 5

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

Question 6

What are the penetrative powers of radioisotopes?

Answer 6

Question 7

Deflection of radioisotopes in electric field

Answer 7

Question 8

Uses of radioisotopes

Answer 8

Question 9

Controlling paper / plastic / metal thickness using radioisotopes

Answer 9

Beta radiation

Question 10

Detecting leaks in pipes using radioisotopes

Answer 10

Beta

Question 11

Radioisotopes in smoke detectors

Answer 11

Alpha (Americium 241)

Question 12

Radioisotopes in food and medical equipment

Answer 12

Gamma

Question 13

What is meant by “decay” of a nucleus?

Answer 13

The emission of 1 or more types of radiation to achieve a stable nucleus.

Question 14

What is half-life?

Answer 14

The time taken for half the nuclei in a given sample to decay.

Question 15

Prediciting decay of nuclei.

Answer 15

There is no way of knowing which nuclei will decay only taht a certain number will in a given time

Question 16

What affects the half life of a particular radioisotope?

Answer 16

Nothing

• not state
• element or compound
• not pressure
• not ion or atom