Radiation

Question 1

Parent isotope

Answer 1

An isotope that goes under radioactive decay

Question 2

Daughter isotope

Answer 2

The stable product of the parent (can be direct reaction of series of decay)

Question 3

Radioactivity

Answer 3

Release of high energy particles and rays of energy from a substance as a result of changes in the nuclei of its atom

Question 4

Radiation

Answer 4

high energy rays and particles emitted by radioactive sources

Question 5

Isotopes

Answer 5

different atoms of particular element that have the same amount of protons but different amount of neutrons

Question 6

Radioactive Decay

Answer 6

process in which unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation

Question 7

Radioisotopes

Answer 7

isotopes that are capable of radioactive decay

Question 8

Alpha Radiation

Answer 8

Element jumps down by 2 (loses two protons) atomic mass decreases by 4 (4 less neutrons)

Question 9

Beta Radiation

Answer 9

the neutron changes into a proton and an electron, element jumps up by 1 (gains a proton). but the atomic mass stays the same

Question 10

Gamma Radiation

Answer 10

consists of rays of high energy, and is represented by an asterisk. there is no change in element or atomic mass

Question 11

Half-Life

Answer 11

constant for any radioactive isotope, equal to the time required for half the nuclei in a sample to decay

Question 12

Decay Curve

Answer 12

curved line on a graph that shows the rate at which the radioisotope decays

Question 13

Mass Number

Answer 13

a whole number that represents the sum of an atoms protons and neutrons combined

(mass # = atomic # + # of neutrons

Question 14

Gamma Decay

Answer 14

the process in which an isotope falls from a high energy state to a lower energy state, giving off a high energy gamma ray; which results of redistribution of energy within the nucleus

Question 15

Beta Particle

Answer 15

high speed electron

Question 16

Alpha Particle

Answer 16

positively charged atomic particle and is slow moving; has the same combination of particle as a helium atom

Question 17

Nuclear Equation

Answer 17

set of symbols that indicates changes in the nuclei of atoms during a nuclear reaction, remember to include mass number and atomic number

Question 18

Nuclear Fission

Answer 18

splitting of a more massive nucleus into two less massive nuclei (high release of energy)

Question 19

Nuclear Reaction

Answer 19

process in which an atom’s nuclear changes by gaining or releasing particles or energy

Question 20

Chain Reaction

Answer 20

ongoing process in which one fission reaction initiates the next reaction

Question 21

Fusion

Answer 21

process in which two low mass nuclei join together to make a more massive nucleus