Atoms And Radiation Flashcards
What is an isotope?
An atom with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
What is the atomic number?
Number of protons in an atom
What is the mass number?
Number of protons + number of neutrons in an atom
What does it mean if an isotope is radioactive?
It decays into other elements and gives out radiation
What are the three types of radiation that radioactive substances give off?
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
Where is the radiation given out from?
The nuclei of their atoms
How can you affect decay?
You can’t the process is entirely random and is unaffected by physical conditions
What is background radiation?
The radiation that is present at all times around us
What is the first source of background radiation?
Radioactivity of naturally occurring unstable isotopes which are all around us
(In air, food, building materials, rocks)
What is the second source of background radiation?
Radiation from space , known as cosmic rays which come mostly from our sun
What is the third source of background radiation?
Radiation due to man made sources
Fall out from nuclear weapon tests, nuclear accidents or dumped nuclear waste
What does radiation dose depend on?
The type and amount of radiation you’ve been exposed to
What is the amount of radiation you’re exposed to affected by?
Location and occupation
Why are certain underground rocks dangerous?
They have high levels of radiation at the surface especially if they release radioactive radon gas which can get trapped in people’s houses
Why are high altitudes dangerous
Eg in jet planes
The background radiation increases because of more exposure to cosmic rays
