radiation and isotopes Flashcards
What is radioactivity?
The release of particles or waves from a substance due to a change in the nuclei of its atoms.
What are the two classifications of radiation?
Ionizing and non-ionizing.
Define ionizing radiation.
Radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, turning them into ions.
What can ionizing radiation potentially damage?
Cell structures, including DNA.
What are the potential consequences of damage caused by ionizing radiation?
Mutations or cancer.
How is non-ionizing radiation different from ionizing radiation?
Non-ionizing radiation is much safer and can only cause damage if it transfers enough heat energy.
Give an example of non-ionizing radiation.
Light, radio waves, microwaves.
What is a beneficial use of X-rays?
Used in dental or medical professions for diagnoses.
What is radiation therapy?
The use of high-energy waves to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors.
How is electricity generated using radiation?
Using the energy given off in a nuclear reaction to generate electricity.
What is nuclear medicine?
The use of radioactive substances injected into the body to get a better picture of a patient’s body.
Fill in the blank: An ion is an atom with an unequal amount of _______ and electrons.
protons
True or False: Non-ionizing radiation can cause significant cellular damage.
False
List three types of ionizing radiation.
- X-ray
- Gamma rays
- Ultraviolet
What type of radiation is used in airports for security?
X-rays.
What type of radiation can only cause damage if it transfers enough heat energy?
Non-ionizing radiation.
What is standard atomic notation?
A common way to represent an element that includes chemical symbol, atomic mass, and atomic number.
Define isotope.
Different atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons.
How do isotopes compare in terms of protons?
Isotopes have the same number of protons and therefore the same atomic number.
How do you determine the number of neutrons in an isotope?
Subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass.
How do you name an isotope?
State the name of the element followed by a hyphen and the mass number.
Fill in the blank: Atomic mass = _______ + number of neutrons.
Number of protons
What is the difference between atomic mass and average atomic mass?
Atomic mass refers to a specific isotope, while average atomic mass is the weighted average of all isotopes.
