Radioactivity Flashcards
Explain concept of linear energy transfer
What is radioactivity?
Radioactivity is the act of emitting radiation spontaneously.
Why does the nucleus of an atom become unstable?
The nucleus of an atom becomes unstable when it either has excess nucleons or excess energy.
How does an unstable nucleus try to become stable?
The nucleus tries to become stable by emitting either energy or nucleons.
What is the smallest unit into which matter can be divided without the release of electrically charged particles?
The atom is the smallest unit into which matter can be divided without the release of electrically charged particles.
What is the smallest unit of matter that has the characteristic properties of a chemical element?
The atom is the smallest unit of matter that has the characteristic properties of a chemical element.
What is the basic building block of chemistry?
The atom is referred to as the basic building block of chemistry.
What particles does a nucleus have?
A nucleus has nucleons, which include protons and neutrons.
What is the symbol for atomic mass number?
The symbol for atomic mass number is ‘A’.
What is the symbol for proton number?
The symbol for proton number is ‘Z’.
What is the symbol for neutron number?
The symbol for neutron number is ‘N’.
How can a specific nucleus or ‘nuclide’ be specified?
A specific nucleus or ‘nuclide’ can be specified using notation.
Why is the total mass of a stable nucleus always less than the sum of the masses of its separate pieces?
Energy, as radiation or kinetic energy, is released during the formation of a nucleus by the ‘fusion’ of smaller nuclei, giving a net mass difference.
What is the force that binds nucleons together?
The force that binds nucleons together is called the strong nuclear force.
What is the range of the strong nuclear force?
The strong nuclear force is a very short-range force, essentially zero if the nucleons are more than about 10^-15 meters apart.
Why are extra neutrons needed for the stability of high-Z nuclei?
Extra neutrons are needed for stability because the Coulomb force is long-range.
What governs the decay of unstable nuclei?
Unstable nuclei decay, and some decays are governed by the weak nuclear force.
What are the three types of radioactive decay?
The three types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.
How do alpha and beta rays behave in a magnetic field compared to gamma rays?
Alpha and beta rays are bent in opposite directions in a magnetic field, indicating opposite charges, while gamma rays are not bent at all.
What occurs during alpha decay?
In alpha decay, the nucleus emits a helium-4 nucleus (an alpha particle).
When does alpha decay most often occur?
Alpha decay most often occurs in massive nuclei that have too large a proton to neutron ratio.
Why is an alpha particle a stable configuration of particles?
An alpha particle, with its two protons and two neutrons, is a very stable configuration of particles.
How does the decay of 210Po by alpha emission change the nucleus?
The decay of 210Po by alpha emission changes the nucleus to 206Pb, reducing the proton to neutron ratio and making it more stable.
What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?
The atomic number changes during alpha decay, so the original (parent) atoms and the decay-product (daughter) atoms are different elements with different chemical properties.
