RADIOACTIVITY Flashcards

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1
Q

What is nuclear decay

A

Nuclear decay is a random process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses it’s energy by emission of electromagnetic radiation or particles

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2
Q

What are the properties of the radiation emitted by a radioactive (unstable) nucleus

A

The radiation emitted by a radioactive nucleus is spontaneous and random in direction and time between emissions

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3
Q

What is ionising radiation

A

Ionising radiation is radiation with high energies that can knock off electrons from atoms to form ions

-high frequency waves like UV, X-ray, & Gamma rays are ionising electromagnetic radiation

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4
Q

What is background radiation

A

Background radiation is nuclear radiation in an environment where no radioactive source has been deliberately introduced

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5
Q

What is half life

A

The half-life of a radioactive nuclide is the time taken for half the nuclei of that nuclide in any sample to decay

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6
Q

Uses of gamma rays

A

Detection of tumours (short half life)

Destruction of tumours (long half life)

Destroy microbes to sterilise medical equipment

Destroy microbes to make food last longer or be safe to eat

Measuring thickness of thicker materials

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7
Q

Uses of beta particles

A

Treatment of thyroid disorder

Measurement of thickness of thinner materials

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8
Q

Uses of alpha particles

A

Estimate age of rocks
Used in smoke detectors

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9
Q

How to protect from radioactive materials

At least 2 ways

A

Reduce risk of contamination by
-removing outer layer of clothing
-washing all exposed body parts with soap & lukewarm water

Reduce exposure by
-reducing exposure time
-shielding with lead-lined gloves and suits
-store radioactive material in a container that will absorb the radiation from the source
-increase distance between source and living tissue

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