The Atom: Radioactivity Flashcards
Radioactive
Atoms that decay and produce radioactive matter
Types of radiation
Alpha, gamma and beta
Geiger counter
Measure the radioactivity
Radionuclide
Radioactive isotope
Carbon dating
Measuring the decay of carbon-14 to tell the age of objects
When does alpha radiation usually occur?
Alpha radiation usually occurs when the atom is unstable because they are too big
Alpha radiation
Radiation that releases 2 protons and 2 neutrons
When does beta radiation usually occur?
Bet radiation usually occurs when the atom is unstable because the ratio of neutron and proton is unequal
Beta radiation
Radiation that breaks a neutron into an electron and proton and ejects the electron
When does gamma rays usually occur?
Gamma rays usually occurs after radiation and when the atom is still excited
Charge of alpha particples
+(2)
Charge of beta particples
-(1)
Charge of gamma rays
0
Penetration of alpha particples relative to the others
Weak
Penetration of beta particples relative to the others
Average