Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of isotopes
A
Isotopes are variants of elements that have the same number of protons, but different number of neutrons
2
Q
Isotopes characteristics
A
- atoms will have the same atomic number, but different atomic masses
- Some isotopes are stable while others are radioactive
put the number in front of the symbol
3
Q
Nuclear Stability
A
Nuclei stay stable because I like nuclear forces greater (the attraction between particles) than the force of repulsion between protons
4
Q
Nuclear Decay
A
- The larger, a nucleus, the greater the force of a repulsion, so less stable the nucleus
- the decay into smaller elements, releasing of radiation
explanation of why isotopes are easier to break apart
5
Q
Radiation vs. radioactivity
A
Radiation: Energy, travelling in the form of particles, or waves, in bundles called photons
Radioactivity : process of ionizing radiation, the decay of an unstable atom releasing excessive energy
6
Q
Types of Nuclear Decay
A
- Alpha
- Beta
- Gamma
7
Q
Alpha Decay
A
- Most ionizing but least penetrative
- Emitted during radioactive decay of large atoms
- Daughter’s mass decrease by 4 and atomic number decrease by 2
8
Q
Beta Decay
A
- Neutron converts to proton & electron
- Electron expelled
- Atomic mass = same
- Atomic number increases by 1
9
Q
Gamma Decay
A
- Most ionizing penetrating but least dangerous
- Not actual particles emitted but burst of energy
10
Q
Nuclear Fission
A
- The nucleus of an atom is cut into smaller nuclei, which also releases neutrons in a large amount of energy
- The release, neutrons, smash into other items causing more fission
11
Q
Nuclear Fusion
A
- 2 nucleus collide to form a heavier nucleus
- very hard to re-crease = need very high temps
12
Q
Star & Sun Nuclear Fusion
A
- two isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium) fuse to form helium
- releasing neutron & energy in form of heat & light
- after hydrogen gone, helium fuse to carbon, then heavier elements till iron
- once all nuclear fuel is used, Star = white dwarf (implodes)
- White dwarf too big = explodes to supernova or black hole
