Radioacticity Flashcards
What is emitted when alpha decays?
Helium Nuclei
How many p+, n , and e- are emitted when alpha decays?
2p+, 2n, and 0e-
How much does the mass change when alpha decays?
4amu
What is radioactivity?
The emission of high energy waves or particles from an atom
How do atoms with stable nuclei differ from atoms with unstable nuclei?
The number of particles in a stable nuclei never change, the particles in a unstable nuclei does
What would two different isotopes of an atom have in common?
Number of protons
What is a half-life?
The time it takes for half of any number of radioactive atoms to decay
What happens when the number of protons in an atom changes?
It becomes a completely different atom
How are gamma rays different from beta particles?
Gamma rays are extremely dangerous; beta particles are less so
What is emitted when beta decays?
Beta particle
How many p+, n , and e- are emitted when beta decays?
1 e-
How much does the mass change when beta decays?
No change in mass
What happens to the atomic number when beta decays?
It increases by 1, creating a new element
What happens to the atomic number when alpha decays?
It decreases by 2, creating a new element
What is emitted when gamma emissions?
Energy wave
How much does the mass change when gamma emissions?
No change in mass
What happens to the atomic number when gamma emissions?
No change; element stays the same
When is fusion formed?
When atoms collide and become a super atom
How much energy does fusion produce?
The most energy of any nuclear source
Can fusion bi-products be contained?
No, it’s too hot
Where does fusion happen naturally?
In stars
What weapon is fusion in?
The hydrogen bomb
When is fission formed?
When atoms split
What does fission produce?
Energy, but also a lot of harmful radioactive bi products
Where does fission occur naturally?
Occurs naturally rarely, mostly man made
What weapon is fission in?
The atomic bomb
