Atomic structures Flashcards
What is an isotope?
When there are the same number of protons and electrons but different amounts of neutrons.
4 types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta, Gamma and neutron decay
What is an alpha particle?
A nuclei of a helium atom. 4 He 2
What is a beta particle?
A fast-moving electron.
What is gamma radiation?
An electromagnetic wave with no charge.
Definition of HALF-LIFE:
The time it takes for no. of nuclei in a source to HALVE.
Definition of IRRIDATION:
Process of exposing an object to ionising radiation.
(This CAN’T MAKE THE OBJECT RADIOACTIVE)
Steps to minimise irridation:
Minimise time
Maximise distance
Increase shielding
Effect of ionising radiation (tissue)?
Damage cell. Make them mutate → cancer.
What is carbon dating?
Measuring the amount of C14 in a dead plant/animal so we can estimate its age.
Uses of radiation:
Medical tracer
Iodine for thyroid cancer
Smoke alarms
Sterilisation
What is fission?
The splitting up of a large and unstable nucleus.
Products of fission reaction:
2-3 neutrons
2 smaller nuclei
Gamma radiation
What is induced fission?
When a neutron is fired a a large unstable nuclei.
What are control rods?
Carbon rods in a nuclear reactor to absorb the neutrons from the reaction to make the chain reaction controlled.
