Radiation Flashcards
When is an atom unstable?
In some atoms the neutrons and protons are not held together strongly- they are unstable these Isotypes are said to be radioactive
What is radioactivity?
Radioactivity is the nuclear decay of unstable elements
What are the three types of radiation?
Alpha Beta Gamma
When does alpha decay occur?
It occurs when the nucleus of the Isotypes ejects an alpha particle made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
What is the mass of alpha particles?
They are relatively heavy
When does Beta decay occur?
Occur when the nucleus ejects a Beta particle similar to an electron, this converts a neutron into a proton.
How can alpha particles be stopped?
By dead skin or a layered paper
What is the mass of Beta particles?
Are very light and move at high speed
How can Beta particles be stopped?
By a 1mm sheet of aluminium
When does gamma decay occur?
Occurs when protons and neutrons become rearranged in the nucleus, emitting a high energy of light known as gamma ray.
How is gamma radiation stopped?
Several centimetres of lead or concrete
Why do dangerous radioactive substances not be dangerous forever?
Due to radioactive decay
What is radioactive decay?
The Process in which the nucleus of an unstable atom changes by emitting radiation
According to their material there half lives depends… elebrate
Different materials have different half lives that can vary from fractions of a second to a million years.
How long should radioactive waste be stored for?
It must be stored safely until it is no longer a health hazard.
Alpha decays only occurs in atoms….
With very heavy nuclei, this is usually where the mass number is greater then 100, atomic number -2 and mass number is -4.
What increases in Beta particle, (mass number and atomic number)
This increases the atomic number increases by 1 and a new element is formed, however the mass number does not change.
