Atoms and Radiation Flashcards
What is an atom?
An atom is the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist while still retaining its chemical properties.
What is the structure of an atom?
Protons and neutrons in nucleus, with electrons shells (at different angels around nucleus) holding electrons.
Features of subatomic particles
Protons: positive charge
Neutrons: no charge
Electrons: negative charge on electron shells
electrons=protons - atom electrically neutral
What is the atomic mass?
Usually decimal at bottom of element picture
= average number of protons + number of neutrons
What is the atomic number?
= number of protons
= number of electrons
John Dalton
- Proposed matter was composed of atoms in 1803
- stated atoms were solid particles without structure
J.J. Thompson
- discovered electrons
- developed plum pudding model of atom
- (positively charged blob with electrons embedded in it)
Ernest Rutherford
- Discovered nucleus
- developed planetary model of atom
- (electrons orbiting central positive nucleus like planets orbiting sun)
Niels Bohr
- proposed electrons occupy stable shells around the central positive nucleus
- realised electrons could move from one energy level to another.
- (electrons in loops around positive protons in nucleus)
James Chadwick
- discovered neutron
- realised neutrons have no charge
- determined approximate mass of neutron
- (electrons in loop around neutron and proton nucleus)
Erwin Schrodinger
- cloud model developed - currently accepted model
- (nucleus surrounded by electron cloud)
Define radiation
The energy given off by a radioactive substance as it breaks down.
Define radioactive
A substance that gives off energy as it breaks down.
What are the main forms of radiation?
- Alpha particles (two protons and two neutrons)
- Beta particles (electrons)
- Gamma rays (high-frequency electromagnetic energy)
How can you be exposed to radiation?
- X-rays
- radiation therapy (eg. for cancer)
- nuclear explosions
- radioactive materials from coal and nuclear power plants
- any radioactive substance
What is an example of a radioactive element?
Technetium:
- Technetium 99m used for medical diagnostic scanning, as it gives off gamma radiation.
- melting point - 2,157 °C
- boiling point - 4,265 °C
- half life - 6 hours
Define half-life
The time taken for half of a radioactive substance to decay.
Describe nuclear fission
Large, unstable atoms break apart into smaller fragments, releasing energy as they do so, causing a chain reaction.
- neutron shot at uranium atom
- uranium breaks apart into barium and krypton and releases kinetic energy, gamma rays and more neutrons, causing a chain reaction.
Uses of radiation in medical industry
- medical diagnostic scans
- sterilisation of medical equipment
- cancer treatment