radiation

Question 1

describe the structure of an atom

Answer 1

atoms have a central nucleus, made up of nucleons. These nucleons are protons and neutrons. electrons then orbit the nucleus in electronic shells.

Question 2

what are the relative masses and charges of a proton, nucleus and electron?

Answer 2

proton charge: +1
neutron charge: 0
electron charge: -1

proton relative mass: 1
neutron relative mass: 1
electron relative mass: 1/1800

Question 3

what is an isotope?

Answer 3

Isotopes are forms of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 4

what does it mean if an atom is unstable?

Answer 4

an atom is unstable when one or both nucleons are in excess. there can be too many protons, neutrons or too many of both at once. this makes an atom unstable. in order to regain stability it will use radiation.

Question 5

what is gamma radiation?

Answer 5

high energy electromagnetic waves emitted from unstable nuclei

Question 6

write a nuclear equation for gamma radiation

Answer 6

mass number and atomic number do not change. element goes to element + (gamma) with 0 as atomic and mass number

Question 7

what is beta radiation?