P7 - Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
What is an alpha particle?
A
-Helium nucleus
2
Q
What is a beta particle?
A
-A single electron
3
Q
What is a gamma particle?
A
-Electromagnetic wave
4
Q
What is the half life?
A
-The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the average time it takes:
for the number of nuclei of the isotope in a sample to
halve
for the count rate from the isotope in a sample to fall to
half its initial value
5
Q
What is nuclear fission?
A
- A neutron is absorbed by a nucleus
- The nucleus splits into two
- Releases two or three neutrons at high speeds
- It also releases energy in the form of gamma radiation
6
Q
What is nuclear fusion?
A
-Two small nuclei release energy when they are fused together to form a single larger nucleus.
