nuclear radiation Flashcards
what does an atoms nucleus need to be stable?
a certain amount of neutrons for the amount of protons it has
nuclei with too many,or too few neutrons exist naturally but are unstable and will ____ by emitting _____
- decay
2. radiation
what are all the types of radioactive decay?
alpha particles,beta particles,gamma rays
how do some nuclei become stable
by emitting radiation
what is the activity of a radioactive source directly proportional to
the rate at which it decays
what is the rate of decay measured as?
becquerels (Bq)
what is one becquerel the time equilvelant to?
1 second
all three types of nuclear radiation are _____ they are capable of knocking ____ from atoms
- ionising
2. electrons
which type of radio active decay is the most ionising and which is the least
alpha is the mist ionising gamma is the least ionising
what are the components of an alpha particle
two neutrons and two protons (the same as a helium nucleus)
ejected from the nucleus
what are the components of a beta particle
A high speed electron
ejected from the nucleus as a neutron turns to a proton
what are the components of a gamma particle
electromagnetic radiation
emitted from the nucleus
hazards of an alpha particle
highly likely to be absorbed and cause damage if passing through living cells
hazards of a beta particle
likely to cause damage if absorbed by living cells
can penetrate body to inner organs
hazards of gamma particles
likely to pass through living cells without being absorbed and causing ionisation
