Radioactivity Flashcards
What is radioactivity
Radioactivity is the spontaneous breaking up of unstable nucleus with the emission of one or more types of radiation
What is nuclear reaction
A nuclear reaction is a process that alters the composition, structure or energy of an atomic nucleus
3 Types of radiation
The 3 types are Alpha, Beta, Gamma
What are alpha particles made up of
Group of 2 or more protons and 2 neutrons stuck together [He]
What charge are alpha particles
Positive
What is the penetration power of alpha particles
Low penetration power
What is an example of a alpha particle
Americium 241
Where is Americium used
Smoke detectors
How are smoke detectors harmful [americuim 241]
Inhaling or ingesting radioactive isotopes that emit alpha particles can be harmful to organs and can cause cancer
What are beta particles made up of?
Formed when a neutron in unstable nucleus changes into proton and electron
At what speed are electrons moving in beta particles
Fast moving
What happens to the electron in beta particales
It’s ejected from the nucleus
What penetration power in the beta particle
Lighter then alpha,therefore more penetrating
Example of beta particle
Carbon 14
What is carbon 14 used for
Carbon dating
What happens to the beta particle
The beta particle is ejected from the nucleus when a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron
What is gamma radiation
High energy electromagnetic radiation
What speed is gamma radiation
Travels at the speed of light
What does gamma NOT consist of
Does not consist of charged particles
Where is gamma radiation used
X-ray
What is the penetration power of gamma radiation
Very high penetration power
What can stop the gamma radiation penetration
A thick slab can only stop it
What is a half life
The half life is an element is the time taken for half of the nuclei is any given sample of decay
What instrument is used to detect levels of radiation levels
Geiger muller tube
