P2.5 (radioactive decay) Flashcards
How many sodium atoms are there in NaCl
1
Why is a strong force needed to hold protons and neutrons together in the nucleus?
The protons repel each other as they are postive
What makes two isotopes the same element?
The proton number ( smaller number)
They can have a different mass number as they can have a different numbers of neutrons
If an element loses electrons will it become positive or negatively charged?
It will become positively charged as there are now more protons ( positive ) than electrons ( negative )
What is the relationship between the size of the atom and the size of the nucleus?
The nucleus is about 20 000 times smaller than the atom
Why does gamma ray radiation have more intensity than visible light
It’s photons carry more energy
What factor affects the intensity of radiation?
The amount of energy carried by the photons
What particle represents a quantum (discrete measurement) of radiation?
A photon
What source emits beta particles?
From inside the nucleus
People who use air travel a lot are exposed to more radiation then those who don’t. Why?
They are exposed to a higher intensity of cosmic rays
Where does background radiation come from?
Natural sources
What is the main source of background radiation in the UK?
Radon
Does ionising or deionising radiation involve any type of particle or electromagnetic wave that carries enough radiation to remove electrons from an atom
Ionising radiation
What are alpha particles?
Helium nuclei
What are beta particles?
Electrons emitted from the nucleus
