Matter Flashcards
Physics Topic 3
What is an insulator?
An insulator is a material that does not easily allow heat/electricity to go through it.
What is a conductor?
A conductor is a material that easily allows the flow of heat and electrical currents through it
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is a process wherein the state of matter changes from liquid to gas
Explain the process of evaporation
In a liquid, particles are moving at different speeds, and those moving at the fastest pace will break free from a liquid, and turn into a gas.
What happens to the overall temperature in evaporation, and why?
The overall temperature decreases, because the kinetic energy is leaving.
What is convection?
Convection is heat transfer in fluids.
Explain the process of convection
When a heat source, is heating, the particles closest to the heat source will expand and become less dense and rise to the top. These particles are replaced by cooler particles that starts a convection current, where this is repeated again and again.
Explain the properties of particle theory in solids, liquids and gases
Solid – strong forces between particles so you can’t move the particles
Liquid – particles close, but weak forces between them. Means particles can move around each other
Gas – no forces between the particles
What is radioactivity?
Radioactivity is when the nucleus is really unstable and has too much energy so it releases radiation.
What is ionisation?
Ionisation is when radiation knocks off electrons, creating an imbalance of energy.
What is penetration?
When radiation goes through certain objects.
What are the 3 main types of radiation?
Alpha, beta, gamma
Order each type of radiation from least to most ionising.
Gamma, Beta, Alpha
Order each type of radiation from least to most penetrating.
Alpha, Beta, Gamma
What is the alpha decay equation?
Mass number (-4)
Atomic number (-2)
+ helium
