P6 Atomic and Nuclear Flashcards
what is a nucleus made of?
protons and neutrons
in nuclide notation, what does A represent?
mAss number (p+n)
in nuclide notation, what does Z represent?
proton number
what is radioactive decay?
an UNSTABLE NUCLEUS loses some ENERGY
by giving off IONIZING RADIATION (as a, b, g)
what’s another way to say ‘ionizing radiation’?
radioactive emissions
A emission:
how many PROTON/NEUTRON does the nucleus lose? → what is the MASS and CHARGE of a A particle?
nucleus loses 2p 2n (helium nuclei)
A particle: mass +4, charge +2
what is the RANGE of A emission in?
cm
which radioactive emission is the MOST PENETRATING, a b or g?
gamma
blocked by lead
which radioactive emission is the MOST IONIZING, a b or g? why?
alpha
- biggest mass
- most charge
how are A particles DEFLECTED in electric/magnetic fields?
CAN be deflected
- ATTRACTED BY - (cuz it has + charge)
- attracted by SMALL AMOUNT (cuz it’s more massive)
what is the NATURE of B emission?
a electron emitted from nucleus
- mass 0
- charge -1
what is the RANGE of B emission in?
m
how are B particles DEFLECTED in electric/magnetic fields?
CAN be deflected
- ATTRACTED BY + (cuz it has - charge)
- attracted by LARGE AMOUNT (cuz it’s less massive)
what is the NATURE of G emission?
high energy electromagnetic wave
- mass 0
- charge 0
what is the RANGE of G emission in?
infinite
which radioactive emission is the LEAST PENETRATING, a b or g?
alpha
blocked by paper
which radioactive emission is the LEAST IONIZING, a b or g? why?
gamma
- no mass
- no charge
how are G particles DEFLECTED in electric/magnetic fields?
not deflected
- no charge
- no mass
what stops B emission?
aluminium (or ofc lead)
how do you show A decay using nuclide notation?
A -4
Z -2
how do you show B decay using nuclide notation?
A no change
Z +1
what are some methods of detecting radiation?
photographic film
GM tube
why are radioactive materials dangerous?
ionising radiation can damage cells → cancer, burns, death
what are some safety measures to take when handling radioactive materials?
- reduce exposure by lead box/gloves/suit
- increase distance to source (long tongs)
- decrease time spend w source
