Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
Describe the symbol of a Beta particle.
- Fancy, lowercase ”b” with a stick down.
Describe the symbol of an Alpha particle.
- Fancy lowercase “a”
What is a Gamma particle?
An electro-magnetic wave (no PEN number)
Give the PEN numbers of a Beta particle.
P- 0
E- 1
N- O
Give the PEN number of an Alpha particle.
P- 2
E- 0
N- 2
Note- An alpha particle is a Helium nucleus
Which radioactive particle is the LEAST ionising?
Gamma
How does an isotope become radioactive?
- Atom becomes too heavy due to additional neutrons
- Atom releases a radioactive particle
Which radioactive particle is the MOST ionising?
Alpha
What distance can a Beta particle travel?
Several metres
What distance can an Alpha particle travel?
Several centimetres - why only dangerous when ingested
What distance can a Gamma particle travel?
Kilometres
What is half-life?
Half life is the time taken for the mass in a radioactive substance to halve (decay)
Give an use of alpha particles in everyday life.
Smoke alarms - Alpha particles are fired across the alarm, detect smoke and send signal to activate the sound.
What is released in Nuclear Fission?
Gamma radiation
Energy
2-3 Neutrons
Describe the three steps of Nuclear Fission.
- A neutron is absorbed by an already large nucleus.
- The nucleus undergoes fission (splits) and the following are released:
….~ Two, smaller daughter nuclei
….~ 2 or 3 neutrons
….~ Gamma radiation (energy) - The neutrons go on to cause other nuclei to become unstable, causing a chain reaction.
Explain how Nuclear Fission is converted into energy that can be used in homes.
The energy released is heated and turned to steam, which spins a turbine.
What is the key phrase that describes Nuclear Fission?
Chain reaction
Where does controlled Nuclear Fission take place?
In a nuclear power plant.
How is Nuclear Fission controlled?
Control rods that absorb any additional neutrons to limit the number of nuclei that are made unstable.
True or False - Nuclear Fission can take place spontaneously.
TRUE - but it is rare.
Give an example of uncontrolled Nuclear Fission.
Nuclear weapons - made to be uncontrolled
What are the pros of Nuclear Fission?
- Fuel is relatively cheap
- Large and steady amount of energy
- Doesn’t produce green house gases
What are the cons of Nuclear Fission?
- Power plants are expensive to build
- Excess products are hazardous and cannot be easily got rid of
- Risk of nuclear disaster
Simply describe the difference between Nuclear Fission and Fusion.
Fission - Splitting
Fusion - Joining
