E.3 - Radioactive Decay Flashcards
What are isotopes?
Different types of atom of an element, with a different number of neutrons but the same number of protons.
What is a nuclide?
A specific type of nucleus where the type is determined by the number of protons and neutrons.
When a nucleus emits radiation, it is said to undergo _ _. Only an _ _ can do this.
nuclear decay, unstable nucleus
An alpha particle has _ protons and _ neutrons.
2, 2
A beta particle is an _. In beta minus decay a _ is also emitted.
antineutrino
A positron has the same _ as an electron but a _ _.
positive charge
During beta plus decay, a _ and a _ is emitted.
positron and neutrino
During gamma decay, a particle goes from an _ to a _ state.
excited, unexcited
if the daughter nucleus is not stable then it will also undergo _.
decay
What is a geiger muller counter and what does it detect when no radioactive source is nearby?
A geiger muller counter measures the count rate(nuclear emissions per time interval), it detects background radiation when no siginifcant nuclear source is nearby.
Which material stops alpha, beta and gamma particles?
paper/outmost layer of skin, aluminum and reduced by lead/a lot of concrete
the process of an atom _ or _ one of its _ is called _.
gaining, loosing, electrons, ionisation
What is the ionisation ability of the alpha, beta and gamma particles?
greatest, intermediate, least
What is activity?
number of decays per unit time, measured in bequerel
What is half life?
Half the time taken by the nuclei of a sample to decay.
