Radioactivity And Particles Flashcards
Isotope
Atoms with the same number of protons and different number of neutrons
Ion
A charged atom that is charged by gaining or losing electrons
Half life
The average time taken for half the unstable nuclei to decay
Alpha charge
Positive
Alpha ionising power
High because of their positive charge, large mass and relatively slow
Alpha penetrating power
Low because they are large
Can alpha be deflected
Yes
Beta charge
Negative (fast moving electron)
Contaminated
Radioactive material inside the object which can decay and emit radiation
Irradiated
Radiation has passed through and killed bacteria (sterilising)
Alpha, beta and gamma are
Radiation emitted from unstable nuclei in a random process
Natural background radiation sources
Food and drink, cosmic rays, radon gas, buildings
Artificial background radiation sources
Medical, nuclear power
What can detect ionising radiation
Photographic film and a Geiger Muller detector
Shielding use
Absorb the ionising radiation
Activity
The number of unstable nuclei that decay per second
Coolant
Removes or transfers heat generated by the reactor core during the fission process
Moderator
Slows down the neutrons and keeps the reaction happening (made of graphite or water)
Control rods
Control the radiation by absorbing neutrons
