Isotopes and Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
What are Isotopes?
Different forms of the same element
What is the atomic number?
The number of protons in an atom
What is the mass number?
number of protons + the number of neutrons
What are the similarities and differences of the subatomic particles in isotopes and ordinary atoms?
Isotopes have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
What is radioactive decay?
When atoms try to balance the protons and neutrons in their nucleus or get rid of any excess energy
What are alpha particles?
two neutrons and two protons
What are the characteristics of Alpha particles?
They can only travel a few cms in the air, absorbed by a sheet of paper, strongly ionising
What are Beta Particles?
A fast moving electron released by the nucleus
What is the symbol for Beta particles?
ß
What are the characteristics of Beta particles?
moderately ionising, absorbed by aluminum, reach a few metres in the air
What are gamma rays?
electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus
What are the characteristics of gamma rays?
travel a long distance in the air, absorbed by thick sheets of lead or meters of concrete, weekly ionising
