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Physics > Nuclear Radiation > Flashcards

Nuclear Radiation Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the symbol of a Beta particle.

A
  • Fancy, lowercase ”b” with a stick down.
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2
Q

Describe the symbol of an Alpha particle.

A
  • Fancy lowercase “a”
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3
Q

What is a Gamma particle?

A

An electro-magnetic wave (no PEN number)

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4
Q

Give the PEN numbers of a Beta particle.

A

P- 0
E- 1
N- O

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5
Q

Give the PEN number of an Alpha particle.

A

P- 2
E- 0
N- 2

Note- An alpha particle is a Helium nucleus

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6
Q

Which radioactive particle is the LEAST ionising?

A

Gamma

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7
Q

How does an isotope become radioactive?

A
  • Atom becomes too heavy due to additional neutrons

- Atom releases a radioactive particle

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8
Q

Which radioactive particle is the MOST ionising?

A

Alpha

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9
Q

What distance can a Beta particle travel?

A

Several metres

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10
Q

What distance can an Alpha particle travel?

A

Several centimetres - why only dangerous when ingested

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11
Q

What distance can a Gamma particle travel?

A

Kilometres

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12
Q

What is half-life?

A

Half life is the time taken for the mass in a radioactive substance to halve (decay)

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13
Q

Give an use of alpha particles in everyday life.

A

Smoke alarms - Alpha particles are fired across the alarm, detect smoke and send signal to activate the sound.

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14
Q

What is released in Nuclear Fission?

A

Gamma radiation
Energy
2-3 Neutrons

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15
Q

Describe the three steps of Nuclear Fission.

A
  • 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.
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16
Q

Explain how Nuclear Fission is converted into energy that can be used in homes.

A

The energy released is heated and turned to steam, which spins a turbine.

18
Q

What is the key phrase that describes Nuclear Fission?

A

Chain reaction

19
Q

Where does controlled Nuclear Fission take place?

A

In a nuclear power plant.

20
Q

How is Nuclear Fission controlled?

A

Control rods that absorb any additional neutrons to limit the number of nuclei that are made unstable.

21
Q

True or False - Nuclear Fission can take place spontaneously.

A

TRUE - but it is rare.

22
Q

Give an example of uncontrolled Nuclear Fission.

A

Nuclear weapons - made to be uncontrolled

23
Q

What are the pros of Nuclear Fission?

A
  • Fuel is relatively cheap
  • Large and steady amount of energy
  • Doesn’t produce green house gases
24
Q

What are the cons of Nuclear Fission?

A
  • Power plants are expensive to build
  • Excess products are hazardous and cannot be easily got rid of
  • Risk of nuclear disaster
25
Q

Simply describe the difference between Nuclear Fission and Fusion.

A

Fission - Splitting

Fusion - Joining

26
Q

Describe Nuclear Fusion.

A

2 light nuclei, example = hydrogen, FUSE together to form a heavier nucleus.
The nuclei are forced close together, and they fuse into Helium 3, which is used to release energy.

27
Q

What are the two types of medical radiation?

A

Diagnostic and Therapeutic

28
Q

What is a radioactive tracer?

A

Ingesting gamma radiation to trace illnesses in muscles, organs or fat.

29
Q

Describe how a gamma knife works.

A

Small beams of radiation all targeted at one area to kill a tumour without killing the cells around it.

30
Q

What are the risks and benefits of using a gamma knife?

A

Risk - harming other areas of the body

Benefit - kill tumour

31
Q

Describe the difference between irradiation and contamination.

A

Irradiation - exposure to radiation

Contamination - radiation on the object or person

Physics (7 decks)

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