Radioactivity (3.2) Flashcards
What is Gamma radiation and describe it’s properties
Gamma radiation is a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation that occurs after a radio isotope has emitted alpha and beta radiation. Gamma rays do not have any mass, are uncharged and travel at the speed of light
When does Gamma radiation take place?
Gamma radiation is released after a radio isotope has released beta and alpha particles.
Why does Gamma radiation take place?
Takes place in an effort to stabilise offset energy arised from beta and alpa decay. Protons and neutrons in the daughter nucleus re arrange and release a gamma ray
What is an alpha particle and give it’s symbol (p. table)
Positively charged particle that has 2 protons and 2 neutrons with no orbiting electrons. It identical to a helium nucleus and is written as 4,2 H
What is a Parent nucleus
A nuclide before disintegration is called a parent nucleus
What is a Daughter nucleus
A nuclide after disintegration is called a parent nucleus
What is nuclear transmutation
A process which involves change in the nucleus of an atom. E.g. the forming of an isotope or the formation of a new element by gain/loss of protons.
In any nuclear reaction, including radioactive decay, atomic and mass mass numbers are held constant. Energy is released during these decays (NA)
How many types of Beta decay are there and explain the different types?
2 types. Beta + and Beta - . Beta -
What is Beta - decay?
A type of radioactive decay that occurs when an electron is emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom, rather than from the electron cloud.
When does beta - decay occur and what is it’s effect on the nucleus + products
Typically occurring when an atom has too many neutrons. A neutron changes to a proton thus atomic no +1. Along with this, a massless antimatter is produced a antineutrino
When does beta - decay occur and what is it’s effect on the nucleus + products
Typically occurring when an atom has too many neutrons. A neutron changes to a proton thus atomic no +1. Along with this, a massless antimatter is produced a antineutrino
When does beta - decay occur and what is it’s effect on the nucleus + products
Typically occurring when an atom has too many neutrons. A neutron changes to a proton thus atomic no +1. Along with this, a massless antimatter is produced a antineutrino
What is antimatter and give an example
Anitmatter is the opposite excitation with all the same properties. For example the antimatter of an electron is a positron.
Write the equation for the beta minus decay of carbon 14*
Stable nitrogen 14 + Beta minus + antineutrino
