Principle of radioactivity

Question 1

define and Explain radioactivity

Answer 1

define; Spontaneous emission of radiation, alpha, beta, gamma,either directly from unstable atomic nuclei or as a consequence of a nuclear reaction.

explain; unstable atomic nucleii will spontaneously decompose

during decomposition the energy and particles released are called radiation

An atom with a unequal number of Protons and Neutrons is unstable, it will emmitt energey in order to restore a balance. Initially by Alpha and Beta and then with electromagnetic gamma rays. This is decay until the atom is balanced.

Question 2

what is radiation

Answer 2

during decomposition unstable nucleii emitt energy and particles called are called radiation

Question 3

Define decay

Answer 3

The nuclei of radioactive atoms are unstable. They break down and change into a completely different type of atom this is decay

the disintergration of a radioactive substance

Question 4

Define radioactive half life

Answer 4

Half life is the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei present to decay or the time taken for the activity of a sample to halve

the measurement of decay

Does not equate to half of its full duration

EG 100g radium 1/2 life = 4 mins

4 mins = 50 g
8 mins = 25 g
12 mins = 12.5 g etc

Question 5

What’s the difference between radiation and radioactivity?

Answer 5

Radiation is the energy that is released as particles or rays, during radioactive decay. Radioactivity is the property of an atom that describes spontaneous changes in its nucleus that create a different nuclide. These changes usually happen as emissions of alpha or beta particles and often gamma rays. The rate of emission is referred to as a material’s activity.

Question 6

substances with a large number of Protons and neutrons are more likley to become radioactive

Answer 6

Uranium 92 Protons and over 140 Neutrons