Nuclear chemistry Flashcards
What is fission?
Fission is when large atoms break apart to form smaller elements and release radiation, its used in power stations and first atomic bonds
What is fusion
Fusion is when smaller atoms combine to form larger atoms and release radiation
This process is found in the sun and stars
What are the three types of radiation?
- Alpha
- Beta
- Gamma
What is done to make radiosotopes more stable?
To make radioisotopes more stable they emit small particles or electromagnetic waves and this is known as radiation
What is alpha?
Alpha is a type of radiation that is made up of helium nuclei and contains two protons and neutrons. They have a high mass of 4 a.m. u and have a 2+ charge. Due to their size they can easily be stopped and have a low penetrating power meaning they can only travel a few cm through the air and can be stopped by a sheet of paper
What is beta
Beta particles are high energy electrons that are emitted from the nucleus. Beta particles form when neutrons split to release an electron leaving a proton behind in the nucleus. They are negativley charged and have a mass of almost 0. They have a greater penetrating power than alpha but can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium
What is gamma
Gamma radiation is a high energy electromagnetic radiation. They are the most penetrating of all the types of radiation and can pass straight through your body. They are stopped by thick sheets of lead or concrete
What are the charge and masses of all radiation types
Alpha- 2+, 4
Beta- 1-, 0
Gamma- 0,0
What kind of particles are deflected by charged plates
Beta and Alpha are deflected from the charged plates
Why are beta rays more easily deflected by charged plates than alpha?
Beta rays are more easily delfected by charged plates than alpha rays becuase beta has a lower mass
Why are gamma rays not deflected by charged plates
Gamma rays are not deflected by charged plates because it has no charge
