Isotopes and Nuclear Radiation + Nuclear Equations Flashcards

1
Q

what is a isotope

A

atoms with the same number of protons, but different number of neurons

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2
Q

which subatomic particle determines the element

A

protons

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3
Q

what does the atomic number represent

A

number of protons

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4
Q

what does the mass number show

A

number of protons + neutrons

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5
Q

what is the process of radioactive decay

A

when unstable nuclei decay into other elements and give out radiation as they try to become more stable

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6
Q

what are Alpha particles

A

Helium Nuclei - 2 neutrons + 2 protons

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7
Q

what can alpha particles be stopped by

A
  • 5 cm of air
  • thin sheet of paper
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8
Q

what is ionising radiation

A

radiation that knocks electrons off atoms, creating positive ions

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9
Q

how is alpha radiation used in smoke detectors

A
  • it ionises air particles cuasing a current to flow
  • if smoke in air - it binds to ions - breaks circuit current flow
  • alarm sounds
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10
Q

is alpha strongly or weakly ionising and what is the effect

A

Strongly ionising = travels the least distance

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11
Q

why are alpha particles strongly ionising

A
  • large size
  • strong charge 2+
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12
Q

what is a beta particle

A

a fast moving electron released by the nucleus

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13
Q

what is the mass and charge of a beta particle

A
  • virtually no mass
  • charge = -1
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14
Q

what level of ionising is beta and what is the effect

A

moderately ionising –> penetrate moderately far into materials before colliding

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15
Q

what can stop beta radiation

A
  • aluminium sheet - 5mm
  • 1m of air
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16
Q

what happens to the atom during beta decay

A
  • neutron decays into proton + electron
  • protons stays in nucleus
  • electron is emitted out
17
Q

what happens to the atomic number, mass and charge of a atom after beta radiation

A
  • atomic number - +1
  • mass - unchanged
  • charge - 1+
18
Q

what is gamma rays

A

electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus

19
Q

are gamma rays strong or weakly ionising and what is the effect

A

weakly ionising = penetrate far + travel long distances in air

20
Q

what is gamma rays range in air

A

unlimited - spread out without being absorbed

21
Q

what materials can stop gamma radiation

A
  • Thick lead sheet - several cm
  • concrete - >1m
22
Q

what can beta radiation be used for

A

beta emitter used to **test thickness of metal sheets*
- as particles are not absorbed by material like alpha
- do not penetrate as far as gamma

23
Q

what are Irradiated objects

A

not radioactive but have been exposed to ionising radiation

24
Q

what are contaminated objects

A

have an unwanted presence of radioactive materials on them –> will emit radiation

25
Q

when an atom emits a alpha particle what happens to it atomic and mass number

A

Atomic - reduces by 2
Mass - reduces by 4

26
Q
A