Atomic Structure Flashcards
1
Q
what are the types of radiation?
A
alpha
beta
gamma
2
Q
alpha characteristics
A
- 2 protons + 2 neutrons = He nucleus
- high ionisation
- low penetration
- 5cm in air
- absorbed by thin sheet of paper
- attracted to negative plate
- used in smoke alarms
2
Q
beta characteristics
A
- fast moving electron
- medium ionising power
- medium penetration
- 1m in air
- absorbed by 5mm of aluminium or 3mm of lead
- attracted to positive plate
- measuring thickness of metal ion
3
Q
gamma characteristics
A
- wave (energy)
- low ionising power
- high penetration
- infinite range in air
- absorbed by thick lead
- neutral (not attracted to anything)
- used to kill bacteria in food (irradiation), cancer treatment, detecting leaks in underground pipes
4
Q
what is irradiation?
A
Exposure to radiation
4
Q
What is contamination
A
When radioactive material is on or inside the person
5
Q
Nuclear fission
A
- neutron fired at large+ unstable nucleus
- neutron is absorbed
- nucleus splits into 2 daughter nuclei which are smaller
- energy+gamma rays+ 2 or 3 neutrons released
- neutrons can cause a chain reaction
6
Q
Nuclear fusion
A
- 2 small nuclei joined together to form a larger nucleus
- heavy product
- fusion leads to a lot of energy being produced
- mass can be converted into energy
- some mass is lost as it’s converted into energy, which is released as radiation.
