Atomic structure - 4 Flashcards
Name a type of nuclear radiation
Gamma or alpha
Which is a property of ALPHA particles?
Are highly ionising
Name two natural sources of background radiation
Cosmic rays and radon gas
The process of joining two atomic nuclei to form a different nucleus is called nuclear…?
fusion
What is half life?
The half life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for the number of nuclei of the isotope in a sample to halve OR the time it takes for the count rate containing a sample of the isotope to fall half of its initial level
What uses does nuclear radiation have in medicine?
As tracers, exploring internal organs, control or destruction of unwanted tissue
What is the basic structure of an atom?
Positively charged nucleus made of both protons and neutrons surrounded by negativity charged electrons
Why are some atoms radioactive?
Some atomic nuclei are unstable. The nucleus gives out ionising radiation as it changes to become more stable. Is process is called radioactive decay
Alpha particles consist of..
Two neutrons and two protons, it’s identical to a helium nucleus
a beta particle consists of..
A high speed electron ejected from the nucleus as a neutron turns into a proton
Gamma ray consists of…
Electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus
What charge is a proton?
Positive
What charge is a electron?
Negative
