Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
What is radiation decay?
Break down of a nucleus in an atom
What does radioactive mean?
Able to emit nuclear radiation
What does ionising radiation mean?
Able to form from ions in atoms
Name three types of radiation.
Alpha (+)
Beta (-)
Gamma
Which type carries a positive charge and why?
Alpha because it has positive particles
Which type carries a negative charge?
Beta because it is made up of electrons which are negative
Which of the three is the fastest?
Gamma as it travels at the speed of light
Which of the three is the most ionising and what can it cause?
Alpha, if it gets into our bodies it can cause a mutation in our cells which causes cancer
Why can gamma penetrate through thick materials?
Because the particles are smaller
Alpha can be stopped by our skin or a thin piece paper, why?
The particles are too big
What are the sources of radiation?
Gas from ground, foods, cosmic rays left over, buildings, nuclear power and weapons.
What is an isotope?
Same element with same number or protons and electrons however contains a different number of neutrons
Why is an isotope radioactive?
Because it is un stable
What does an isotope do to become a more stable structure?
Emits alpha or beta radiation
What happens during the decay of a radioactive material in terms of atoms?
They decrease and reach a 50% loss at a half life.
