Isotopes Flashcards
What is a Nuclear Reaction?
A process that causes a nucleus to change, involving fission, fusion, or other reactions resulting in a new arrangement of nucleons.
Define Nuclear Radiation.
Particles or electromagnetic waves emitted during nuclear reactions, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
What are Isotopes?
Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, sharing similar chemical properties but differing in mass and physical properties.
What are Radioactive Atoms?
Atoms that emit radiation as they seek stability, known as radioisotopes.
Define Radioisotopes.
Unstable forms of a chemical element that release radiation as they break down to become more stable.
What occurs during Alpha Decay?
Emission of an alpha particle from the nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
List characteristics of Alpha Particles.
- Heavy and slow-moving
- Travel only a few centimeters in air
- Blocked by a sheet of paper or a layer of skin
What happens during Beta Decay?
The nucleus ejects a beta particle, which is a high-speed electron, converting a neutron into a proton.
List characteristics of Beta Particles.
- Small and fast-moving
- Negatively charged
- Can penetrate deeper than alpha particles
- Blocked by a sheet of aluminum
What is Gamma Decay?
The emission of a pulse of electromagnetic radiation, known as gamma rays, from the nucleus.
List characteristics of Gamma Rays.
- Electromagnetic waves, not particles
- Emitted when a nucleus has excess energy
- High penetration power
- Blocked by thick layers of concrete or lead
Define Half-life.
The time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.
What is the half-life of carbon-14?
5730 years.
What is Radiocarbon Dating?
Utilizes the decay rate of Carbon-14 to estimate the age of organic materials.
How does Carbon-14 decay?
It decays into Nitrogen-14 by emitting a beta particle.
What is Radiotherapy?
Utilization of high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells.
What is a drawback of Radiotherapy?
It can also harm surrounding healthy cells, leading to side effects.
What is Nuclear Imaging?
Utilizes radioisotopes to provide detailed images of the body’s internal functions.
What is a PET Scan?
A type of nuclear imaging where a radioisotope emitting positrons is injected into the patient.
What notable archaeological samples were dated using radiocarbon dating in Australia?
Mungo Man and Mungo Woman.
Who discovered polonium and radium?
Pierre and Marie Curie.
How did Marie Curie contribute to cancer treatment?
She discovered that radium destroyed diseased cells faster than healthy cells.
