The atom Flashcards
Large atoms will break down naturally. These atoms are………
Unstable
Large unstable will break down until they become……..
Stable
What is the breakdown of atoms called
Nuclear decay
What are the 3 main types of radiation
Alpha, beta and gamma
What is released during nuclear decay
Radiation
What is an alpha particle made of
A helium nucleus ( 2 protons and 2 neutrons)
What are alpha particle stopped by
Paper
What is a beta particle
High energy/speed electron
What are beta particle stopped by
2 mm Aluminium
What is gamma radiation
Radiation from the electromagnetic spectrum
What are gamma rays stop by
2-3 cm lead
What is ionisation
When an atom loses or gains electrons
What is the most ionising radiation
Alpha
What is another way of saying an atom is highly ionising
It has high ionisation density
What are two examples of radiation being used in medicine
Radiotherapy and radioactive tracers
What is a natural radiation
Cosmic rays or natural radioactive gases
What is a man-made radiation
Nuclear waste, nuclear fallout
What are the two types of nuclear reaction
Fission and fusion
What is nuclear fission
Where large nuclei are split into smaller nuclei
What is a chain reaction
Neutron strikes are uranium nucleus, it’s splits releasing energy and more neutrons. The new neutrons strike more nuclei. This process repeats and repeats
What is nuclear fusion
Small nuclei combined to form larger nuclei
What is the process the power is the Sun
Nuclear fusion. Converting hydrogen and helium
What are advantages of nuclear power
No greenhouse gases and plenty supplies of uranium 
What are the disadvantages of nuclear power
Nuclear waste and biohazard risk
is heat produced in a fission reaction
yes
