Radioactivity Flashcards
What is radioactivity
The phenomena in which nuclei emitt particles and energy randomly and sponteniously in order to attain stability
How does the nucleus of an isotope try to become stable
It will try to lose neutrons in the form of radiation
Why is radioactivity random?
Any atom out of millions could be unstable and start to lose neutrons in the form of radiation
Why is radioactivity spontenious?
It isn’t affected by physical factors such as temperature, pressure and catalysts
What is the name given to naturally occuuring radiation from the environment?
Background radiation
Why is air radioactive?
It contains radon gas
What are other sources of background radiation?
The ground, food and drink, living things, cosmic rays from sun
What are artificial sources of radiation?
Medical equipment, nuclear weapons, X-rays and Gamma rays used in hospitals
Who discovered radioactivity?
Henri Becquerel
Why isn’t photographic paper the best way to detect radioation?
It won’t tell you the magnitude of radiation
What is the most efficient way to detect radiation?
The Geiger Muller (GM) tube / counter
What is radioactive decay?
The process through which radioactive atoms change into to orher elements
What is an alpha particle similar to?
A helium nucleus
What is the composition of an alpha particle?
Two protons, two neutrons
What is the charge on an alpha particle?
+2
