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
Describe Nuclear Fusion.
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.
What are the two types of medical radiation?
Diagnostic and Therapeutic
What is a radioactive tracer?
Ingesting gamma radiation to trace illnesses in muscles, organs or fat.
Describe how a gamma knife works.
Small beams of radiation all targeted at one area to kill a tumour without killing the cells around it.
What are the risks and benefits of using a gamma knife?
Risk - harming other areas of the body
Benefit - kill tumour
Describe the difference between irradiation and contamination.
Irradiation - exposure to radiation
Contamination - radiation on the object or person
