Atoms and radiation Flashcards
What are isotopes?
Isotopes are different atomic forms of the same element, which have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.
What happens when isotopes are unstable?
They’re radioactive which means they decay into other elements and give out radiation
Where do radioactive substances give out radiation from?
The nuclei of their atoms
Radioactivity is…
random
What three types of radiation do radioactive substances emit?
Alpha, Beta and Gamma
What is background radiation?
Radiation that is present at all times
What does radiation from space come from?
Cosmic rays from the sun
What are examples of radioactive naturally occurring unstable isotopes? (give two)
- air
- food
- rocks
- building materials
Give two examples of radiation due to man-made sources.
- Fallout from nuclear weapon tests
- Nuclear waste
- Nuclear accidents
How likely you are to suffer damage if you’re exposed to nuclear radiation depends on the…
radiation dose
The ______ the radiation dose the ____ at risk you are of developing cancer.
HIGHER and MORE
Why might a miner be more at risk of developing cancer?
Miners work underground where there are more rocks giving off radiation
Why do commercial pilots have an increased risk of getting some types of cancer?
They work at high altitudes where there is more exposure to cosmic rays (closer to the sun)
