P2 Physics - types of ionising radiation, properties and uses, half life Flashcards
1
Q
what are the three types of nuclear radiation?
A
alpha,
beta
gamma
2
Q
how can alpha radiation be stopped?
A
absorbed by a sheet
3
Q
how can beta radiation be stopped?
A
thin sheet of aluminum
4
Q
how can gamma rays be stopped?
A
cm of lead, many metres of concrete
5
Q
how many protons and neutrons are lost when a nucleus admits alpha radiation?
A
2 protons
2 neutrons
6
Q
what happens when a nucleus admits beta radiation?
A
the proton stays inside the nucleus
neutron leaves
7
Q
what can radiation be used for? 3 things
A
detect smoke
treat cancer
sterilise medical equipment
8
Q
what s radioactive decay?
A
when nuclei of radio active atoms break down to completely different atoms
9
Q
what is the definition of half life?
A
- the time it takes for the number of nuclei of the isotope in a sample to halve
