nuclear radiation Flashcards
what are isotopes?
atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons
what do some isotopes have, and what do they do as a result?
some isotopes have an unstable nucleus, to become stable, nucleus gives out radiation
what is radioactive decay?
when a nucleus gives out radiation to become stable
what does radioactive mean?
consists of unstable isotopes that can decay
what are alpha particles made up of?
2 protons and 2 nucleus, like a helium atom
what is the overall charge of an alpha particle?
2+ because it has no electrons
why cant alpha particles travel far?
because of their large size, easily stopped by collisions with other molecules
how far can alpha particles travel in air, and what can they be absorbed by?
only travel few cm in air, absorbed by a sheet of paper
alpha particles are strongly ionising, what does this mean?
easily knock off electrons or any atoms they collide
what is the overall charge of a beta particle?
-1, because they have virtually no mas
for every beta particle emitted, what happens?
a neutron in the nucleus has turned into a proton
why are beta particles moderately ionising?
because beta particles are tiny
how far can beta particles travel?
few cm in air and 5mm of aluminium
how far can beta particles travel?
moderately far
what are gamma rays?
waves of electromagnetic radiation released by a nucleus
