Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

gcse physics > sp6 radioactivity (paper 1) > Flashcards

sp6 radioactivity (paper 1) Flashcards

1
Q

define radiation

A

emission of energy as electromagnetix waves or as a moving subatomic particles, from the nuclei of atoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

state the different types of radiation

A
  • alpha
  • beta +
  • beta -
  • gamma
  • neutron
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

composition of alpha radiation and the charge

A
  • 2 protons and 2 neutrons
  • +2
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

composition of beta - radiation and the charge

A
  • 1 electron
  • -1
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

composition of beta + radiation and the charge

A
  • 1 positron
  • +1
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

composition of gamma radiation and the charge

A
  • a high frequency with electromagnetic radiation
  • 0
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what are alpha particles stopped by

A
  • paper / foil
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what are beta + particles stopped by

A
  • stopped by aliminium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

what are beta - particles stopped by

A
  • stopped by aliminium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

what are gamma particles stopped by

A
  • stopped by thick led
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

what are neutron particles stopped by

A
  • stopped by water / concrete
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

symbol of alpha radiation

A
  • a
  • 4/2 He
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

symbol of beta - radiation

A
  • B -
  • 0/-1 e
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

symbol of beta + / positron radiation

A
  • B +
  • 0/1 e
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

symbol of neutron radiation

A
  • n
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

why does gamma radiation have no equation

A

because gamma radiation has no mass and no electric charge

17
Q

what is the half life of a radioactive element

A
  • the time it take half of the atoms in a sample to decay
  • each element has its own decay rate and it is constant
18
Q

state how fusion in stars occur

A
  • nuclear fusion is the energy source for stars
  • when hydrogen nuclei fuse together in a star, by the process of nuclear fusion helium nuclei are formed
  • a neutron and energy are also released from this reaction
    (in larger stars, this process can repeat where helium nuclei continue to fuse, forming heavier elements)
19
Q

define nuclear fusion

A

2 small nuclei will be joined together to form a larger nucleus

20
Q

what is the end product of nuclear fusion

A
  • nucleus is heavy
  • a lot of energy is produced
  • some mass is lost, and it turns into energy (released as radiation)
21
Q

conditions for nuclear fusion

A
  • high pressure (to overcome electrostatic repulsion)
  • high tempurature (between the positively charged nuclei of each isotope, energy is found to overcome the electrostatic repulsion)
22
Q

define nuclear fission

A

splitting a large, unstable nucleus into 2 smaller particles

23
Q

describe the process of nuclear fission

A
  • unstable nucleus absorbs a neutron
  • nucleus splits into two#
  • neutrons and gamma rays are emitted
24
Q

state the products of nuclear fission

A
  • the fission proucts have kinetic energy, which allows them to move away from the original action site
  • gamma rays carry excess energy, which allows them to move away from the original action site
  • neutrons can start a chain reaction (as neutrons with kinetic energy is released, allowing it to be absorbed by another unstable nucleus)
25
what are the advantages of using nuclear energy to generate electricity
- don't emit carbon dioxide - store a lot more energy per kg than other fuels - supplies laast a lot longer than fossil fuels - causes fewer deaths and accidents - available at any time - desinged with many safety precautions
26
what are the disadvantages of using nuclear energy to generate electricity
- non renewabke - waste materials and pollution can remain dangerous for millions of years - very expensive to treat it and dismantle it at the end of its life and build it - many people are afraid of it and dont want to live near a nuclear power station
27
define isotope
atoms of a single element with a different number of neutrons
28
the range in air for alpha
- 2cm max
29
the range in air beta + particles
- a few metres
30
the range in air for beta - particles
- a few metres
31
the range in air for gamma ray particles
- a few kilometres
32
the range in air for neutrons particles
- as long as hundreds or thousands of metres - but only lasts for 15 mins
33
ionising power for alpha particles
- highest ionising power
34
ionising power for beta - particles
- medium ionising power
35
ionising power for beta + particles
- medium ionising power
36
ionising power for gamma ray particles
- least ionising power
37
ionising power for neutrons
- low ionising power

gcse physics (13 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions