Radiation Flashcards
What is alpha radiation and what is it like
Its identical to a helium atoms nucleus - 2 protons 2 neutrons
Strongly ionising
Least penetrating
Beta radiation
High energy electrons
Stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium
Charge of -1
Gamma radiation
Waves of electromagnetic radiation
Weakly ionising
Very penetrating they are stopped by thick sheets of lead
What is nuclear fission
In a nuclear reactor, a neutron is fired at a uranium 235 nucleus, causing it to become uranium 236 which is unstable so it splits into 2 daughter nuclei alongside 2 or 3 neutrons. They can each go on to collide with uranium 235 to cause further reactions it is a chain reaction. A lot of energy is produced
Where does nuclear fusion occur
In stars
What is nuclear fusion
When 2 small nuclei join together to make 1 larger nucleus. Fusion reactions occur in stars where two hydrogen nuclei fuse together under high temperatures and pressure to form a nucleus of a helium isotope. Lots of energy is released
Disadvantages to nuclear fusion
Extreme temperatures and pressures are needed
Very expensive to build
What is lost in alpha decay
2 protons 2 neutrons 4/2 infinity fish
What happens in gamma decay
0 protons and 0 neutrons are lost (funny y)
What happens in beta decay
A neutron turns into a proton
An electron is released
