Atomic theory 4 Flashcards
Define radioactivity (L.C)
The spontaneous disintegration of the nucleus with the emission of α, β or γ radiation.
What change takes place in the structure of the nucleus of an atom when beta decay occurs? (L.C)
A neutron changes into a proton.
Write a balanced equation for the beta decay of a carbon-14 nucleus. (L.C)
C → N + e (number have to be written in - marking scheme)
A piece of fossilised yew, from a tree that was alive about 6000 years ago, was excavated from Boora Bog, Co. Offaly. When a tiny fragment of it was analysed, it was found to contain 1.5 x 10(₁₂) carbon-14 atoms. (i)Explain why the fragment of yew must have contained 3.0 x 10(₁₂) carbon-14 atoms 5730 years before the analysis. (ii) What mass of carbon-14 did the fragment contain 5730 years before the analysis? (L.C)
(i) 5730 is the half-life
(ii) 3.0 × 10₁₂ ÷ 6.0 × 10₂₃ = 5.0 × 10-₁₂ (=originally)
5.0 × 10-₁₂ × 14* = 7.0 × 10-₁₁
(small numbers mean to the power of)
What are isotopes? (L.C)
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to the different numbers of neutrons present in the nucleus.
What is a radioisotope? (L.C)
An isotope with unstable nucleus
Define the half-life of a radioisotope. (L.C)
This is the time taken for half the nuclei in a given sample to decay.
Complete the following nuclear equation to show the alpha decay of radium-226. Ra ⇾ ___ + ___ (L.C)
Rn + He
Radium-223 undergoes alpha decay and is also used in radiotherapy. Starting with a sample containing 1.0 x 10(-4) moles of radium-223, how many of these atoms remain when 87.5% of the sample has decayed? (L.C)
1 × 10-₄ × 12.5 ÷ 100 = 1.25 x 10-₅
1.25 x 10-₅ x 6.0 x 10₂₃ = 7.5 x 10₁₈
What change takes place in the nucleus of an atom when beta decay occur? (L.C)
A neutron changes into a proton and an electron that is emitted.
Write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta-decay of the Fr nucleus (223 - top, 87 - bottom) (L.C)
Fr → Ra + e
Define radioactivity (L.C)
The spontaneous disintegration of the nucleus with the emission of α, β or γ radiation.
Give two differences between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions. (L.C)
chemical: involves electrons and no change to nucleus
nuclear: electron cloud not involved and nuclear change
Give two properties of beta-particles. (L.C)
- Negative
- Moderately ionising
- Less penetrating power than α
A certain mass of caesium-137 leaked on a particular day. What fraction of this mass remained as caesium-137 after 90 days? (L.C)
One-eighth
What are isotopes? (L.C)
Atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to the different numbers of neutrons present in the nucleus.
Define radioactivity. (L.C)
The spontaneous disintegration of the nucleus with the emission of α, β or γ radiation.
Define radioisotope. (L.C)
An isotope with unstable nucleus.
Carbon-14 decays by the beta particle emission. Write a balanced equation to describe beta-decay of the carbon-14 nucleus. (L.C)
(14 - top, 6 bottom)C → e + N
Explain why the carbon-12 to carbon-14 isotope ratio in the shoe leather changed over 5500 years since the shoe was made. (L.C)
Carbon-14 decayed and changed to nitrogen