3.4. Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

What is meant by a”radioisotope”?

Answer 1

An atom with an unstable nucleus

Question 2

Where does radioactive decay occur in an atom?

Answer 2

The nucleus

Question 3

Why causes some nuclei to be unstable?

Answer 3

Incorrect proton:neutron ratio

Question 4

What is the “band of stability”?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is meant by “ionising radiation”?

Answer 5

Radiation with energy to knock electrons off atoms.

Question 6

What are the 3 types of ionising radiation?

Answer 6

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

Question 7

What are the penetrative powers of radioisotopes?

Answer 7

Question 8

Deflection of radioisotopes in electric field

Answer 8

Question 9

Uses of radioisotopes

Answer 9

Question 10

Controlling paper / plastic / metal thickness using radioisotopes

Answer 10

Beta radiation

Question 11

Detecting leaks in pipes using radioisotopes

Answer 11

Beta

Question 12

Radioisotopes in smoke detectors

Answer 12

Alpha (Americium 241)

Question 13

Radioisotopes in food and medical equipment

Answer 13

Gamma

Question 14

What is meant by “decay” of a nucleus?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What is half-life?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Prediciting decay of nuclei.

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What affects the half life of a particular radioisotope?

Answer 17

Nothing

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

Question 18

What is the nuclide notation for a proton?

Answer 18

Question 19

What is the nuclide notation for a neutron?

Answer 19

Question 20

What is the nuclide notation for an alpha particle?

Answer 20

Question 21

What is the nuclide notation for a beta particle?

Answer 21