Radioactivity Flashcards
What are the forces the nucleus undergoes?
Strong nuclear force (holding it together), electrostatic force pushing the protons apart. Gravitational force (very weak).
What happens if a nucleus is unstable?
It will break down to become more stable.
What can cause instability of a nucleus?
Too many neutrons, too many nucleons, too few neutrons, too much energy.
How does a nucleus decay?
By releasing energy and/or particles until it reaches a stable form. This is radioactive decay.
How is radioactive decay described?
Spontaneous and random. Cannot be predicted.
What are the four types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta-mins, Beta-plus and Gamma.
What is the ionising power of alpha?
Strong
What is the speed of alpha?
Slow
What is the penetrating power of alpha?
Absorbed by paper or a few cm of air.
Is alpha affected by a magnetic field?
Yes
What is the ionising power of Beta-minus?
Weak
What is the speed of Beta-minus?
Fast
What is the penetrating power of Beta-mins?
Absorbed by 3mm of aluminium.
Is Beta-minus affected by a magnetic field?
Yes
What is the ionising power of Gamma?
Very weak