nuclear chem

Question 1

What is nuclear radiation?

Answer 1

radiation given off in order to stabilize the nucleus, and it cannot be controlled

Question 2

What is a radioisotope?

Answer 2

atom with unstable nucleus that gives off radiation to become more stable

Question 3

What does nuclear stability depend on?

Answer 3

number of neutrons relative number of protons in nucleus

Question 4

Why does nuclear/radioactive decay occur?

Answer 4

The nucleus is unstable and needs to release radiation to become stable

Question 5

What are the different types of radiation (particles)?

Answer 5

Alpha, Beta and Gamma

Question 6

What kind of particle is an Alpha particle

Answer 6

A Helium nucleus (2 protons + 2 neutrons)

Question 7

What can shield against an Alpha particle

Answer 7

Paper, skin

Question 8

What kind of particle is a Beta particle

Answer 8

A fast moving electron

Question 9

What charge does an Alpha particle have

Answer 9

+2

Question 10

What charge does a Beta particle have

Answer 10

-1

Question 11

What can shield against a Beta particle

Answer 11

Metal foil, wood

Question 12

What is Gamma Radiation

Answer 12

High-energy electromagnetic radiation

Question 13

What can shield against Gamma radiation

Answer 13

Concrete or lead

Question 14

What happens if there’s too many neutrons

Answer 14

Beta Decay

beta radiation on right side

Question 15

What happens if there’s too few neutrons

Answer 15

Electron capture (opposite of Beta decay)

beta radiation on left side

Question 16

What happens if the atom is too big

Answer 16

Alpha Decay