Quiz 3/2 Flashcards
define half life
the amount of time for a radioactive isotope to decay by half
define isotope
a version of an element with a varying number of neutrons, and constant number of protons
what does protium consist of?
1 proton
What does deterium consist of?
1 proton and 1 neutron
What does tritium consist of?
1 proton and 2 neutrons
What are the 3 types of decay?
- Alpha Decay
- Beta Decay
- Gamma Radiation
What happens in alpha decay?
An alpha particle is given off from the nucleus
What does an alpha particle consist of?
2 protons and 2 neutrons
How is the atomic mass and atomic number affected in alpha decay?
the atomic mass decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2
Define transmutate
When an element changes into a new element due to radioactive decay
What happens in beta decay?
A beta particle is released (electron)
What happens to the atomic mass and atomic number during beta decay?
Atomic mass stays the same, but atomic number increases by 1
What happens in Gamma Radiation?
Gamma Rays accompany alpha and beta decay (as waves)
What is nuclear fission?
The splitting of a larger atom in 2 or more smaller ones
What is nuclear fusion?
The combining together of 2 or more lighter atoms into a larger one.
