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GCSE Physics > Properties Of Types Of Radiative Radition/ Decay > Flashcards

Properties Of Types Of Radiative Radition/ Decay Flashcards

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1
Q

Where do alpha, beta, gamma and positron decay come from?

A

The decay of an unstable nucleus

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2
Q

What can alpha, beta, gamma and positron decay do to normal matter?

A

Cause mutations in DNA or destroy it

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3
Q

What is the RAM (relative atomic mass) of an alpha particle?

A

4

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4
Q

What is the charge of an alpha particle?

A

2+

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5
Q

What is the range in air of an alpha particle?

A

Very short range: a few cm (about 10cm)

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6
Q

What happens to the nucleus of an atom when alpha decay occurs?

A

A lump of two protons and two neutrons break off the nucleus and is fired out

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7
Q

What is a beta particle?

A

A free electron made in the nucleus

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8
Q

What is the RAM of a beta particle?

A

1/1835 or 0

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9
Q

What is the range of a beta particle in air?

A

Medium range: about 1m

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10
Q

What can absorb/what stops beta-minus particles?

A

Few mm of aluminium / few cm of Perspex

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11
Q

What changes happen to the nucleus during beta decay?

A

A neutron turns into a proton and electron (beta), which is fired out

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12
Q

What happens to the nucleus when beta-plus decay occurs?

A

A proton turns into a neutron and a positron is created a ejected

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13
Q

What is the range in air for a gamma ray?

A

Unlimited

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14
Q

What materials possibly stops/ reduces gamma rays?

A

Many cm of lead or >1m concrete

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15
Q

What happens to gamma radiation in a magnetic or electric field?

A

No mass or charge, so it is not deflected

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16
Q

What happens to beta radiation in a magnetic or electric field?

A

-1 charge and small mass so strongly deflected

17
Q

What happens to alpha radiation in a magnetic or electric field?

A

2+ charge and RAM of 4, so only weakly deflected

18
Q

Why do alpha particles have a short penetration distance?

A

Because they lose energy quickly since they produce many ions in a short distance (highly ionising)

19
Q

Why are gamma rays fired?

A

They do this when the nucleus rearranges and releases some spare energy after the initial decay

GCSE Physics (20 decks)

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