Science Test Ph Wk. 8 2018 (9e) Flashcards
Define atom
The smallest unit of matter, they are composed of a nucleus, containing neutrons and protons, as well as electrons which orbit them in shells.
Define Element
An element is one out of the 118 elements in the periodic system. Each element has a unique number of protons (1 - 118), the number of protons an atom has determines which element it is, and its atomic number.
Define Proton
A subatomic particle which exists in the nucleus of an atom. Protons have a positive charge.
Define Neutron
A subatomic particle which exists in the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons have a neutral charge.
Define Electron
A subatomic particle which orbits an atom’s nucleus. Electrons have a negative charge.
Define Nucleus
The core of an atom, comprised of Neutrons and Protons.
Define Atomic mass
The weight of an atom in AMU (Atomic Mass Units), this is found by doing #protons + #neutrons.
Define Atomic number
The number of protons an atom has. Determines what element it is.
Define Radiation
The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or moving subatomic particles.
Define Decay
The process in which an unstable nucleus goes through either Alpha or Beta decay, and becomes another element.
Define Isotope
A variation of an element, with a unique number of neutrons.
Define Half-life
The time it takes for half of the remaining nuclei of a radioactive substance to decay.
Define Ionization
The process adding or removing electrons or protons from an atom in order to make it either positively or negatively charged.
Define Background-radiaiton
The uniform radiation constantly affecting us.
Define Radon
One of the only commonly found radioactive gases, which sippers from the bedrock, and enter our homes.
Define Radioisotope
An isotope with an unstable nucleus, causing it to be radioactive.
Define Tracer
A chemical compound containing some radioisotopes, which can be tracked through chemical reactions by tracing the path that the radioisotope follows from the reactants to the products.
Define Nuclear fission
The process of bombarding radioactive elements such as uranium with neutrons, to cause them to split, and shoot out 3 neutrons, causing other uranium atoms to split, causing a chain reaction which in turn generates an enormous amount of energy, which warms a coolant, which heats waters in pipes, that boil, turn into steam and turn a turbine which turns a generator which generates electricity.
Define Nuclear fusion
The process of multiple atoms (usually with low atomic numbers) combine to create a single, more massive atom. This releases a large amount of energy, which can then be converted into electricity. An example of this, is hydrogen nuclei merging to form helium nuclei.
Define Nuclear waste
Every 10 years, the radioactive element used to generate electricity through nuclear fission has been completely used up, and needs to be disposed of. The used up matter however, is still very radioactive, therefore the term NUCLEAR waste.
What are the parts of an atom?
How many protons, neutrons and electrons do the following elements have?
1 H
1
42 Mo
96
17 Cl
35
Each atom is composed of a nucleus, containing protons 6 neutrons, and electrons orbiting this nucleus in shells.
1 H
1
Answer: 1 Proton, 1 Electron, 0 Neutrons
42 Mo
96
Answer: 42 Protons, 42 Electrons, 54 Neutrons
17 Cl
35
Answer: 17 Protons, 17 Electrons, 18 Neutrons
What are the three types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta and Gamma
What are some manmade and natural sources of background radiation?
Manmade: Hospitals, Former nuclear bomb tests, medicines
Natural: Sun, Cosmic rays, Radon gas, food
What are some good uses of radiation?
Gamma treatment
Thickness control,
Checking welds, non-destructive testing