Radiation Physics Flashcards
Define…
matter
atom
energy
matter: anything that occupies space and has mass
atom: fundamental unit of matter
energy: occurs when matter is altered
a nucleus is composed of…
protons (positive)
neutrons (no charge)
electrons (negative)
Mass number/atomic weight Vs Atomic number
mass number: protons + neutrons
atomic number: number of protons equals number of electrons, is this number
List the letters for the electron orbits/shells
K (closest to nucleus and highest energy)
L
M
N
O
P
Q
What are the two ways molecules can be formed?
transfer of electrons
sharing electrons between outer shells
Ionizing radiation
energy is transmitted through space or matter (able to ionize)
ex// x-rays, gamma rays, alpha and beta particles
Nonionizing radiation
may excite stable atoms by raising an orbital electron to higher energy state
ex// visible light, infrared rays
Do we use x-radiation or radioactivity in dentistry?
x-radiation
Ion
an atom that gains or loses an electron and becomes electrically unbalanced
Negatively charged atom
gains an electron from an adjacent atom, more electrons than protons and neutrons
Positively charged atom
loses an electron and has more protons and neutrons
Ion pair
formed when an electron is removed from an atom
Particulate radiation
-tiny particles of matter that possess mass and travel in straight lines at high speeds
-transmit kinetic energy
Electromagnetic radiation
-propagation of wavelike energy (without mass) through space or matter
-man made or occur naturally
-magnetic fields at 90 degree angles and oscillating electrons
Beta particles
fast moving electrons emitted from nucleus of radioactive atoms
Alpha particles
emitted from the nuclei of heavy metals, exist as two protons and neutrons w/out electrons
Cathode rays
streams of high speed electrons that originate in the x-ray tube (electrons emitted)
Protons vs neutrons
protons: accelerated hydrogen nuclei
mass 1 charge +1
neutrons: accelerated particle
mass 1 no charge
List the properties of electromagnetic radiation
-no mass or weight
-no electrical charge
-travels at speed of light
-travels as both particle and a wave***
-propagate an electrical field at rights angles to path of travel
-propagate a magnetic field at right angles to the electrical field
-have different measuring energies
Particle concept of electromagnetic radiation
discrete bundles of energy called photons or quanta
-no mass
-no weight
-waves at speed of light
-travels in straight line