Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
What is the definition of Alpha radiation
Helium nucleus, or 2 protons 2 neutrons
What is the definition of beta radiation
A fast moving electron
What is the definition of gamma radiation
An electromagnetic wave
What is meant by the term ionisation
When an atom loses or gains an election
What type of radiation is the most ionising and why
Alpha particles because they are the biggest
What are Alpha particles absorbed by and what is their range in air
Range in air = 2 cm
Absorbed by thin sheet of paper
What are beta particles absorbed by and what is their range in air
Range in air =2 metres
Absorbed by 2-3 mm of aluminium
What absorbs gamma radiationand what is the range in air.
Range in air = infinity
Absorbed by thick lead or thick concrete
What is meant by the term activity
Activity is the number of nuclear decays per second
What is the activity measured in
Becquerels of Bq for short
What are the natural sources of background radiation
Cosmic rays
Rocks and soil
Human body
What are the artificial sources of background radiation
Medical use (x- rays)
Fall out from weapons testing
Nuclear waste
Nuclear accidents
How can you measure the background count rate
Geiger-müller tube
What is meant by the term half life
Half-life is the time for the activity to half
What are the two different types of nuclear reaction
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fission
