Radioactivity Flashcards
What is alpha decay?
2 protons and 2 neutrons
emitted by some isotopes of the heaviest elements
What is beta decay?
A neutron decays into a proton and a fast moving electron
Emitted by isotopes with too many neutrons
What is gamma decay?
Emission of a high frequency electromagnetic waves from an unstable nucleus
Alpha atomic number
2
Alpha mass number
4
Alpha charge
+2
Beta atomic number
-1
Beta mass number
1/1800
Beta charge
-1
Gamma atomic number
0
Gamma mass number
0
Gamma charge
0
What is half-life?
The average time taken for half of the original mass of the sample
Define contamination
The radioactive source goes inside the persons body
Define irradiation
The radioactive source is outside the persons body
What is nuclear fission
The splitting of an atomic nucleus
What are the parts in a nuclear fission reactor
Fuel rods, control rods, moderator, coolant, heat exchanger, concrete sheild
What do the control rods do?
Absorb neutrons and reduce the rate of fission and cool fuel rods down Depth can be adjusted
What does the moderator do (carbon)
Slows the neutrons down so that they are more likely to be absorbed
What is nuclear fusion
The joining of small nuclei that form larger ones
