Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards
What is a radioisotope?
An unstable isotope which emits radiation from its Nucleus in order to become more stable.
What are the three most common types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta and Gamma
What is the mass of an alpha particle?
4
What is the atomic number of an alpha particle?
(+)2
What is the mass of a beta particle?
0
What is the atomic number/charge of a beta particle?
-1
What is the mass of a gamma ray?
0
What is the atomic number/charge of a gamma ray?
0
How far can an alpha particle travel and how are they stopped?
A few centimetres in air and are stopped by a piece of paper
How far can a beta particle travel and how are they stopped?
Over a metre in air and are stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium
How far can a gamma ray travel and how are they stopped?
Great distances in air and are stopped by barriers made of materials such as lead or concrete
What are alpha particles attracted towards?
A negatively charged plate
What are beta particles attracted towards?
A positively charged plate
What are beta particles?
Electrons ejected from the nucleus of an atom
What are gamma rays?
Electromagnetic waves emitted from within the nucleus of an atom
What can be said about particle size and ionising?
Smaller particles can travel further but ionise less whereas larger particles can travel a lesser distance but ionise more
What is the effect of alpha particles on humans?
Cause the most damage but only if the radioactive isotope gets inside our bodies
What is the effects of gamma rays on humans?
Cuse the least amount of damage but can pass through our bodies easily and so can damage a larger area
What is the effects of beta particles on humans?
Somewhere in between gamma rays and alpha particles
What is the half life of a radioisotope?
The time taken for half of the sample to decay
