P4: Atomic Structure Flashcards
What experiment did Rutherford do?
Alpha scattering experiment.
What are isotopes?
The same element with a different number of neutrons.
Why do unstable isotopes decay?
To try and become more stable.
How ionising are alpha particles?
Very
How penetrating are gamma rays?
Very
How do smoke detectors work?
Ionises air particles causing a current. Smoke binds to the ions stopping the current which sounds alarm.
What are gamma rays?
Electromagnetic radiation
How can radiation be measured?
Geiger-Muller detector.
What is half life?
Time taken for number of radioactive nuclei in an isotope to halve.
What does it mean if something has a short half life?
Nuclei are very unstable, dangerous at first but safe quickly.
What does it mean if something has a log half life?
Dangerous for millions of years.
Why is radiation bad for the body?
Can enter cells and ionise atoms and molecules leading to tissue damage.
What happens if someone has a low dose of radiation?
Damage cells, divide uncontrollably, cancer.
What happens if someone has a high dosage of radiation?
Kills cells, radiation sickness. Leads to vomiting, tiredness, hairloss.
What is radiotherapy.
Kills cancer cells but also normal cells which makes the patient feel ill.
