Ionising radiation Flashcards
What is ionising radiation?
Ionising radiation causes atoms to lose electrons and become ions.
What is radioactive decay?
The spontaneous breakdown of nuclei causing the release of energy and matter from the nucleus.
Whats the charge is alpha?
2+.
What can alpha be likened to?
Helium.
How many protons and neutrons each does an alpha particle have?
2
True or false:
Alpha particles are emitted at high speed
True
True or false:
Alpha is the least ionising
False
True or false:
Alpha particles have a short penetration distance because they lose energy quickly.
True
What can alpha particles be stopped by?
Paper.
What is a beta particle?
An electron emitted by an unstable radioactive nuclei.
What’s the charge of a beta particle?
-1
What can beta particles be stopped by?
3mm of aluminium.
True or false:
Beta particles can penetrate further than alpha.
True
What are gamma rays?
High frequency electromagnetic waves.
True or false:
Gamma rays are the least ionising.
True
What can stop gamma rays?
Thick lead.
What is the charge of a gamma ray?
Zero, they are waves not particles and therefore do not have a charge.
What does Uranium-235 decay into?
Krypton-92
Barium-141
3 neutrons
How much more energy can 1 gram of Uranium produce than 1 gram of oil?
10,000 times more energy.
What do moderators do?
Slow down neutrons so that they only collide with the uranium-235.
What do control rods do?
Absorb neutrons.
What takes place when producing nuclear power?
- Thermal energy from the core heats up water
- The heat energy converts the water into steam
- Steam causes a turbine to drive
- The turbine turns a generator
- The generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.
