Radiation Flashcards
What is a nucleon
The name given to a particle in the nucleus i.e. proton, neutron
What is the atomic number of an element?
The number of protons in the nucleus
- the bottom number
What is the mass number of an element?
The number of nucleons in a nucleus
What is an isotope?
An atom that has the number of protons but a different number of neutrons
What are unstable nuclei called?
Radioisotopes or radionuclide
What happens in equation form to an atom during radioactive decay?
The mass number and atomic numbers of daughter products have to equal the original parent radionuclide
What is the exception to the radioactive decay equation being complete?
Gamma radiation may be emitted and since this has no mass or atomic number, it is not included in the equation
What is fission?
Splitting of nuclei with large mass number
What is fusion?
Joining of nuclei
What is induced fission?
When the reaction is forced by adding a neutron
What are the conditions to sustain fusion?
- extremely high plasma temperature
- a stable reaction lasting at least 5 seconds
- a precise plasma density of around 10^20 particles
Why is it necessary to use a magnetic field to contain the plasma?
Plasma would cool down if it came too close to the sides and reaction would stop
High temperature plasma could destroy the container
