Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
What is alpha decay?
A
2 protons and 2 neutrons
emitted by some isotopes of the heaviest elements
2
Q
What is beta decay?
A
A neutron decays into a proton and a fast moving electron
Emitted by isotopes with too many neutrons
3
Q
What is gamma decay?
A
Emission of a high frequency electromagnetic waves from an unstable nucleus
4
Q
Alpha atomic number
A
2
5
Q
Alpha mass number
A
4
6
Q
Alpha charge
A
+2
7
Q
Beta atomic number
A
-1
8
Q
Beta mass number
A
1/1800
9
Q
Beta charge
A
-1
10
Q
Gamma atomic number
A
0
11
Q
Gamma mass number
A
0
12
Q
Gamma charge
A
0
13
Q
What is half-life?
A
The average time taken for half of the original mass of the sample
14
Q
Define contamination
A
The radioactive source goes inside the persons body
15
Q
Define irradiation
A
The radioactive source is outside the persons body
