P5 - Nuclear Physics

Question 1

which isotopes are radioactive [1]

Answer 1

unstable ones

Question 2

what is nuclear fission [1]

Answer 2

splitting of nuclei

Question 3

what is nuclear fusion [1]

Answer 3

joining of nuclei

Question 4

isotope definition [1]

Answer 4

atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but a different mass due to a different number of neutrons

Question 5

radioactivity definition [2]

Answer 5

phenomenon of random and spontaneous emission of rays/particles from within the nucleus of atoms

Question 6

radioactive substance defintion [1]

Answer 6

substance that decays by emitting radiation from its atomic nuclei

Question 7

What are the 2 ways that radioactive substances can cause us problems? [2]

Answer 7

-contamination (radiation gets inside body)
-irradiation (radiation hits body)

Question 8

what are the 4 natural sources of background radiation [4]

Answer 8

-radon gas (in air)
-rocks and buildings
-food and drink
-cosmic rays

Question 9

what are the 4 man-made sources of background radiation [4]

Answer 9

-medical
-nuclear waste
-nuclear fallout (from nuclear weapons)
-nuclear accidents

Question 10

Define the half-life of a particular isotope [1]

Answer 10

time taken for half the nuclei of that isotope in any sample to decay