Radiation (Assessment Specific) Flashcards
Describe the structure of an atom
Positively charged nucleus with neutrons and protons. Outer shell, with electrons.
What is the size of a nucleus compared to an atom?
Nucleus is tiny compared to the whole atom.
Where is most of the mass in an atom?
In the nucleus
What are the size of small molecules when compared to an atom?
Small molecules are bigger than an atom
What is an isotope?
The Same atom, with a different number of neutrons
13
C
6
What do all these pieces mean?
13 = Neutrons + Protons = mass number 6 = Protons, usually electrons = atomic number
What can the atomic number be used to tell us?
What element it is.
What’s an easy way to tell which ones the atomic number?
The atomic number will always be smaller than the mass number
What differs between an isotope and the atom on the periodic table?
Isotopes have a different mass number
What is the charge and relative mass of a proton?
Charge + 1
Relative mass 1
What is the charge and relative mass of a neutron?
Charge 0
Relative mass 1
What is the charge and relative mass of a electron?
Charge -1
Relative mass 0
What is the charge and relative mass of a positron?
Charge +1
Relative mass 0
What is a positron?
Exactly the same as an electron but with a positive charge
What does it mean for an atom to be a neutral atom?
Number of protons = number of electrons
What does it mean for an atom to have a stable nuclei?
Balance of protons and neutrons is correct: same as atom on periodic table
How do electrons orbit the nucleus is an atom?
At different distances, first shell is different distances from nucleus in different atoms
What happens if you give energy to an electron?
It moves up one or several shells. If it gains enough, the electron will leave the atom and the atom will be a positive ion.
What happens if you take energy away from an electron?
It moves down a shell or several and emits visible light, with amount of energy dictating light colour
What is nuclear radiation?
Radiation from the nucleus
What is the symbol for alpha radiation? What is the structure of an atom emitting alpha radiation?
a, 2protons + 2neutrons
What is the symbol for beta minus radiation? What happens to an atom to cause it to release beta minus radiation?
ß-, electron emitted when a neutron turns into a proton
What is the symbol for beta plus radiation? What happens to an atom to cause it to release beta plus radiation?
ß+, proton turns into a neutron and emits a positron
What is the symbol for gamma radiation? What happens to an atom to cause it to release gamma radiation?
γ, nuclei rearrange themselves sad emit a wave of energy
What is the symbol for neutron radiation? What happens to an atom to cause it to release neutron radiation?
n, a neutron is emitted