Radioactive Decay Flashcards
Radioactive Decay
The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus which releases radiation
What types of radiation can be released during radioactive decay?
Alpha particles, beta particles or gamma rays
Alpha Decay
This is when alpha particles are emitted from the original nucleus. Each alpha particle is equal to a helium nucleus which has 2 protons and 2 neutrons
Beta Decay
This is when one neutron is converted into a proton and an electron. Then, the electron is fired out of the nucleus whilst the proton remains. Neutron number therefore decreases by 1 and proton number increases by 1
Gamma ray
The number of protons and neutrons are unchanged.
What type of radiation are alpha, beta and gamma?
Ionizing radiation
Ionizing radiation
When a radiation has the ability to remove electrons from atoms that they collide with
Effect on Gamma particles in an electric field
Gamma particles have no charge so they are not deflected
Effect on Alpha particles in an electric field
Alpha particles are positively charged so will be attracted to the negative plate/side
Effect on Beta particles in an electric field
Beta particles are negatively charged so will be attracted to the positive plate/side
Activity of a radioactive sample
The number of decays/radioactive particles emitted per second
As a number of _____ nuclei ______, the number of ________ particles become ______ too
unstable, decreases, emitted, reduced
Half life
Time taken for the activity of a sample to fall to half of the original value
Why is ionizing radiation dangerous?
It can kill or damage human cells which can cause DNA mutation and can eventually lead to cancer.
What precautions do radiation workers take to not get affected by radiation?
Wear film badges, which monitors the amount of radiation they are exposed to. This ensures that they are not exposed to levels too high.
