nuclear radiation

Question 1

what is radioactive decay and how does it occur?

Answer 1

some isotopes have an unstable nucleus
to become stable, nucleus gives out radiation
random process

Question 2

what are the 4 types of radiaton?

Answer 2

alpha
beta
gamma
neutrons

Question 3

what is alpha radiation?

Answer 3

2 protons and 2 neutrons (helium nucleus)
strongly ionising
only travels a few cm in air
can be absorbed by a sheet of paper

Question 4

what is beta radiation?

Answer 4

electron ejected from nucleus at high speed
formed inside nucleus when neutrons changes to a proton and electron
moderately ionising
travels few metres in air
can be stopped by sheet of aluminum

Question 5

what is gamma radiation?

Answer 5

type of e.m. wave from nucleus
weakly ionising
travel long distances in air
can be stopped by metres of concrete

Question 6

why would a nucleus emit neutron radiation?

Answer 6

to rebalance number of protons and neutrons