Radioactivity

Question 1

penetrating power

Answer 1

how far into a material the radiation will go

Question 2

ionising power

Answer 2

how easily an uncharged atom or molecule is converted into a charged particle by adding or removing electrons

Question 3

decay

Answer 3

emission of ionizing radiation in the process of stabilizing an unstable nucleus

Question 4

unstable nucleus reasons

Answer 4

too large
number of protons and neutrons very different
too much energy

Question 5

alpha decay

Answer 5

emission of an helium nucleus (4/2)
highly ionizing
low penetrance

Question 6

beta decay

Answer 6

emission of high energy electron from nucleus
(neutron converted into electron and proton)
less ionizing
higher penetrance

Question 7

gamma decay

Answer 7

emission of gamma ray
only energy emitted
least ionizing
highest penetrance

Question 8

application alpha particles

Answer 8

smoke alarms

problem when inhaled/ ingested (highly ionizing –> damage DNA and tissue)

Question 9

application beta particles

Answer 9

PET CT
measure thickness of materials

problems when direct contact without barrier

Question 10

application gamma particles

Answer 10

sterilisation radiotherapie

problems cause high penetrance

Question 11

How can alpha, beta and gamma radiation be deflected?

Answer 11

alpha and beta charged –> electric & magnetic field