Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
Give one example of a useful radioisotope and indicate one of its uses
A
Americium 241, smoke detectors
2
Q
What are isotopes
A
Atoms with the same atomic number with the same element but with different number of neutrons due to different mass numbers
3
Q
What is radioactivity
A
The spontaneous random decay of an unstable nucleus releasing alpha beta and gamma particles
4
Q
What happens in a radioactive nucleus during beta decay
A
Neutron changes to a proton
5
Q
Give two differences between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions
A
Chemical reactions- involves electrons rather than nucleus, no new element formed
Nuclear- changes take place inside nucleus and electrons are not involves. A new element is formed.
