Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards
Why do unstable nuclei emit energy?
To form more stable nuclei
What are the three types of radiation?
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
What are the properties of Alpha particles?
Alpha particles are slow moving, positively charged particles that come from the nucleus of an element. They have 2 protons and 2 neutrons and thus have a charge of 2+
What are the properties of Beta particles?
Beta particles are fast moving, negatively charged particles that are formed when a neutron splits into a proton and an electron. They have a charge of 1-
What are the properties of Gamma waves?
Gamma radiation is non-particulate meaning that they aren’t particles but instead they are a form of electromagnetic radiation. They are emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive element and they have no charge
What are two examples of natural radiation?
Rocks sometimes emit radioactive gases such as Argon Cosmic Rays (from the sun)
What are two examples of artificial radiation?
Waste from nuclear power plants
X-Ray machines emit radiation
How can Alpha particles be stopped?
By paper or a human hand
How can Beta particles be stopped?
By an aluminium sheet
How can Gamma waves be stopped?
By lead or thick concrete
What is the object completing a nuclear equation?
The sum of the atomic number and the mass number on each side of the equation should balance, and show what the product of the nuclear decay is
Can be impact on the decay of radioactive elements?
No, nothing can impact on the decay of radioactive elements
What is half-life?
Half-life is the amount of the time taken for the radioactivity of a specified isotope to fall to half its original value
The half-life of a source is 8 days.
Calculate the fraction of the source that would remain after 16 days.
25%
A source has a half-life of 16 hours
After 48 hours, what will be the mass of the source remaining if the original mass was 8g?
1g
