Chapter 25 Radioactivity

Question 1

Define Radioactive decay

Answer 1

the spontaneous breakdown of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of energy and matter from the nucleus.

it is unaffected by heat, pressure, pH or magnetic/electric fields.

Question 2

Define alpha particles

Answer 2

ionising: highly
charge: +2
penetration: low
speed: slow (1x 10^6 ms-1)
absorbed by: paper

Question 3

define beta particles

Answer 3

ionising: medium
charge: -1
penetration: medium
speed: fast
absorbed by: aluminium

Question 4

define gamma rays

Answer 4

ionising; very low ionisation
charge; 0 bc no mass
penetration; highly
speed; speed of light (3x10^8 ms^-1)
absorbed by; lead

Question 5

describe an alpha emission

Answer 5

240 236 4
Pu —> U + a + energy
94 92 2

Question 6

Describe a beta emission

Answer 6

14 14 0
C —-> N + B + energy
6 7 -1

Question 7

describe