isotopes and nuclear radiation Flashcards
what is the atomic number
the number of protons in an atom
what is the mass number
the number of protons + the number of neutrons
what are isotopes
atoms with the same number of protons and neutrons
what do other unstable isotopes tend to do
decay into other elements and give out radiation as they try to become more stable
what us the process of radioactive decay
when unstable isotopes Decay into other elements and give out radiation as they try to become more stable and try to balance the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus or get rid of any excess energy
What are three types of ionising radiation
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
What is ionising radiation
Radiation that knocks of electrons of atoms creating positive ions
what are alpha particles
The helium nuclei
What is alpha radiation
When alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus
What is an alpha particle
Two neutrons and two protons
What are alpha particles stopped by
A sheet of paper and can only travel a few centimetres In air
What is the ionising power of alpha particles
Strongly ionising
What is a beta particle
A fast moving electron released by the nucleus
What is the mass and charge of a beta particle
Virtually no mass and a charge of -1
What is the ionising power of beta particles
Moderately ionising
How far can beta particles travel
A few metres in but I stopped by 5mm of aluminium
What happens for every beta particle that is emitted
A Neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton
What are beta particles
High speed electrons
What are gamma rays
EM waves with short wavelength
What are gamma rays waves off
Gamma rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus
What is the penetrating power of gamma rays
They penetrate find the materials and are not stopped and will travel long distances through the air
What can Gamma rays be absorbed by
thick sheets of lead or metres of concrete
