Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
Describe radioactive decay
When the nuclei of some isotopes are unstable, they DECAY to form new elements to try and become more stable
Describe nuclear radiation
As the nucleus decays from radioactive decay, it emits particles or energy.
What are the 3 types of nuclear radiation?
- alpha
- beta
- gamma
Describe alpha decay
Alpha decay is when an atom decays into a new atom and emits an alpha particle which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
“What is the relationship between alpha radiation and helium atoms in terms of composition and speed?”
Alpha radiation is the same as the nucleus of a helium atom travelling at extremely high speed
How is the atomic number and the mass number effected by alpha decay?
The atomic number decreases by 2 (2 protons lost) and the mass number decreases by 4 (mass decreases by 2 protons and 2 neutrons worth)
How is the charge of the nucleus affected by alpha decay?
The positive charge of the nucleus decreases by 2 because 2 positively charged protons have been lost
What is a beta particle?
A high energy electron
What is beta decay?
When an atom decays into a new atom by changing a neutron into a proton and electron by emitting a high energy electron (beta particle)
How is the proton number and the mass number effected in beta decay?
Proton number increases by 1
Mass number stays the same
How is the charge of the nucleus effected by beta decay?
Positive charge of the nucleus increases by 1
What is gamma radiation?
a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from the nucleus of an atom during alpha or beta decay. It occurs when the nucleus releases surplus energy, often alongside alpha or beta particles, to reach a more stable state.
Why are gamma rays a hazard?
Gamma rays are very penetrating and can pass through many materials, making them potentially harmful.
What are the characteristics of gamma radiation in relation to the electromagnetic spectrum?
Gamma radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum; A wave with a very high frequency, very short wavelength
What is emitted from the nucleus of an atom during alpha radiation?
An alpha particle
What subatomic particles is an alpha particle made up of?
2 neutrons and 2 protons
What particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom during beta radiation?
A beta particle
Describe a beta particle and when it’s emitted
Beta particle= electron emitted when a neutron turns into proton
What is emitted from the nucleus of an atom during gamma radiation?
A gamma wave
What is a gamma wave?
A high energy electromagnetic wave
What is the three pieces of equipment used for radioactive source demonstration?
- sealed source
- specimen
- Geiger tube
How far does the alpha radiation travel during the radioactive source demo?
A few cm
What can stop the alpha radiation from travelling during the radioactive source demo?
A sheet of paper
Describe the ionising power in alpha radiation during the radioactive source demo
Strongly
How far does the beta radiation travel during the radioactive source demo?
Few M (metres)
What can stop the travel of beta radiation in the radioactive source demo?
Aluminium (5mm)
Describe the ionising power in beta radiation
Moderate
How far does the gamma radiation travel in air in the radioactive source demo?
Many metres
What can stop the travel of gamma radiation in the radioactive source demo?
Lead/ concrete
Describe the ionising power in gamma radiation
Weakly
What is an alpha particle
2 protons and 2 neutrons
What is beta particle
An electron
What is gamma wave
A high speed electromagnetic wave
What is the symbol for alpha radiation?
4
2 a
What is the symbol for beta radiation?
0
B
-1
What is the half life?
The time taken for half the radioactive nuclei to decay or for the activity to drop by half
What is the count rate?
The number of decays recorded per second using a detector (Geiger-muller tube)
What is the count rate (activity) measured in?
Becquerels
What is half life (link it to the count rate)
The time taken for the count date to fall by half of its initial value
