Radioactive Decay Flashcards
What is an isotope?
An isotope of an element is an atom with the same amount of protons (same atomic number) but different amount of neutrons
(different relative atomic mass)
What happens to an unstable isotope?
They decay and emit ionising radiation from the nucleus
Radioactive decay:
Where unstable isotopes decay and emit ionising radiation
Where unstable isotopes decay and emit ionising radiation
Radioactive decay
Name 3 types of ionising radiation
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
What are alpha particles made up of?
What is another word for Alpha particles?
2 protons and 2 neutrons
Helium nuclei
Penetration of Alpha:
Can be absorbed by…
Cannot travel very far and are stopped quickly
A sheet of paper
Ionisation of Alpha:
Strongly ionising
Radioactiove decay is …
Random
Alpha particle have a charge of what?
+2
What is a beta particle?
A fast moving electron
Penetration of Beta:
Can be absorbed by…
Moderately ionising
A sheet of aluminium
Ionising of Beta:
Moderately ionising
What happens when a Beta particle is emitted?
A neutron turns into a proton in the nucleus
What are gamma rays?
Waves of electromagnetic radiation emitted by nucleus
