Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
1
Q
Describe an Alpha particle.
A
- helium nucleus.
- +2 charge.
- Short range in air.
2
Q
Describe Beta particles.
A
- fast moving electrons.
- -1 charge.
- Medium range in air.
3
Q
Describe Gamma Radiation.
A
- high energy and frequency waves.
- short wavelength.
- no charge.
- infinite range in air.
4
Q
List the Particles from Most to Least penetrating.
A
- Gamma -> Beta -> Alpha.
5
Q
What absorbs Alpha Particles?
A
- paper.
6
Q
What absorbs Beta particles?
A
- aluminium.
7
Q
What absorbs Gamma Rays.
A
- lead.
8
Q
What is ionisation?
A
- the removal or addition of electrons from a neutral atom to produce a positive or negative ion.
9
Q
What is Activity?
A
- the number of radioactive nuclei that decay every second.
10
Q
Name 2 background radiation sources.
A
- food and drink.
- cosmic rays.
- nuclear power.
11
Q
What are the dangers of ionising radiation?
A
- can damage DNA causing burns and cancers.
12
Q
What is a use of nuclear radiation?
A
- smoke alarms.
13
Q
What is half-life?
A
- the time taken for half the radioactive nuclei of a source to decay.
14
Q
Describe Nuclear Fission.
A
- energy is released when a large unstable nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei starting a chain reaction.
15
Q
Describe nuclear fusion.
A
- two smaller nuclei are fused together to form one large nucleus generating energy.
