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atomic Structure > radioactive Decay > Flashcards

radioactive Decay Flashcards

1
Q

What is radioactive decay?

A

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

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2
Q

True or False: Radioactive decay is a random process.

A

True

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3
Q

What is the unit used to measure the rate of radioactive decay?

A

Becquerel (Bq)

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for ______ of the radioactive atoms to decay.

A

half

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5
Q

What type of radiation is emitted during alpha decay?

A

Alpha particles

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6
Q

Which type of radiation has the highest penetration power: alpha, beta, or gamma?

A

Gamma

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7
Q

What type of radiation is emitted during beta decay?

A

Beta particles

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8
Q

True or False: Gamma radiation can be stopped by a piece of paper.

A

False

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9
Q

What is the decay equation for the alpha decay of Uranium-238?

A

Uranium-238 -> Thorium-234 + Helium-4

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10
Q

What is the decay equation for the beta decay of Carbon-14?

A

Carbon-14 -> Nitrogen-14 + Beta particle

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11
Q

What is the primary danger of exposure to radioactive materials?

A

Increased risk of cancer

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12
Q

True or False: All radioactive isotopes have the same half-life.

A

False

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13
Q

What is the process by which a radioactive isotope transforms into a stable isotope?

A

Radioactive decay

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14
Q

What is the SI unit of activity of a radioactive substance?

A

Becquerel (Bq)

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15
Q

Fill in the blank: The decay constant is the probability that a nucleus will decay per unit of ______.

A

time

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16
Q

What is the energy source for radioactive decay?

A

The unstable atomic nucleus

17
Q

What is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy?

A

Radioactive decay

18
Q

True or False: The rate of decay of a radioactive substance is affected by external factors.

A

False

19
Q

What is the primary factor that determines the stability of a nucleus?

A

The ratio of neutrons to protons

20
Q

Fill in the blank: The decay of a radioactive substance follows an ______ pattern.

A

exponential

21
Q

What is the main difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

A

Their penetrating power

22
Q

True or False: Alpha particles have the highest penetration power.

A

False

23
Q

What is the term for the time required for half of the atoms in a radioactive sample to decay?

A

Half-life

24
Q

What is the main cause of the release of energy during radioactive decay?

A

The conversion of mass into energy as per Einstein’s equation, E=mc^2

atomic Structure (4 decks)

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