Radioactivity and particles - Radioactivity Flashcards
What does atomic number mean
The number of protons in an atoms
(The same as proton number)
What does the mass number mean
the total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus.
What does isotope mean
Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
What are alpha (α) particles, beta (β) particles, and gamma (γ) rays
Ionising radiations emitted from unstable nuclei i a random process
practical: investigate the penetration powers of different types of radiation using either
radioactive sources or simulations
https://www.tutormyself.com/7-06-practical-investigate-the-penetration-powers-of-different-types-of-radiation-using-either-radioactive-sources-or-simulations/
Alpha cannot pass through paper
Beta cannot pass through Aluminium
Gamma can only slightly pass through Lead
Use a Geiger Müller Tube to measure the counts. If the counts drop significantly the radiation has stopped
What is the atomic and mass number of an alpha particle
4
(α)
2
What is the atomic and mass number of an beta particle
0
(β)
-1
What is the atomic and mass number of an gamma ray
0
(γ)
0
What is the atomic number and mass number of nuetron
understand how to balance nuclear equations in terms of mass and charge
https://igcse-physics-edexcel.blogspot.com/2015/12/77-understand-how-to-complete-balanced.html?view=flipcard
What are the sources of background (ionising) radiation from Earth and space
Naturally occurring radioactive minerals in the ground, soil, and water produce background radiation
What does half-life mean
the time it takes for half of the unstable nuclei in a sample to decay or for the activity of the sample to halve or for the count rate to halve
use the concept of the half-life to carry out simple calculations on activity, including graphical
methods
https://www.tutormyself.com/7-13-use-the-concept-of-the-half-life-to-carry-out-simple-calculations-on-activity-including-graphical-methods/
What are uses of radioactivity in industry and medicine
In irradiation, for instance, foods, medical equipment, and other substances are exposed to certain types of radiation (such as x-rays) to kill germs without harming the substance that is being disinfected (The ionizing radiation sends enough energy into the bacterial cells to break chemical bonds) and without making it radioactive
follow reactions, track the distribution of a substance, diagnose and treat medical conditions
Other radioactive substances are helpful for controlling pests, visualizing structures, providing fire warnings, and for many other applications
What does contamination mean
When an object is in contact with a source of radiation (inside or touching it) and therefore may be able to enter the object and ionise its atoms, mutating them.
What does irridation mean
Exposing objects to beams of radiation from a radiation source that is NOT touching it (can be used to steralise objects)
What is the difference between contamination and irradiation
Contamination is when the object in contact with a radioactive source (it is inside the object or touching). Irradiation is when something is exposed to beams/rays from the radiation source but is NOT in contact
What are the dangers of ionising radiation
the radiation can cause mutations in living organisms
the radiation can damage cells and tissue
posing a threat to agricultural land, fishing waters, freshwater sources, and humans when disposed of
