Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

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


See full index

Physics > Topic 5.2 - Radioactivity > Flashcards

Topic 5.2 - Radioactivity Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Physics 101 flashcards AP® Physics flashcards
1
Q

Describe α radiation

A
  • 1 particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (same as a helium nucleus)
  • Highly ionising
  • Weakly penetrating (blocked by sheet of paper and 5cm of air)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Give the equation for an α particle.

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

Describe ß radiation.

A
  • 1 particle consists of a single electron
  • Medium ionising effect
  • Medium penetration (blocked by ~50cm of air or a sheet of metal)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Give the equation for a ß particle.

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

Describe γ radiation.

A
  • Weakly ionising
  • Highly penetrating (blocked by several cm of lead)
  • Electromagnetic radiation (no particles)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Give the equation for γ radiation

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How is α radiation affected by electric and magnetic fields?

A

It is slightly deflected by electric and magnetic fields.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How is β radiation affected by electric and magnetic fields?

A

It is greatly deflected by electric and magnetic fields, in the opposite direction to alpha radiation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How is γ radiation affected by electric and magnetic fields?

A

It is not deflected.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How can radiation be detected?

A
  • Photographic film
  • Geiger-Muller tubes
  • Cloud chamber
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How does photographic film work?

A

The film is white; as it absorbs radiation it darkens.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the action of Geiger-Muller tubes

A

They are tubes which transmit an electric pulse every time radiation is absorbed, producing a clicking sound.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How are cloud chambers used?

A

A cloud chamber is a container filled with water vapour. Ionising radiation causes the vapour to condense, forming tracks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is background radiation?

A

Weak radiation from external sources which is always present.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Give some sources of background radiation.

A
  • Cosmic rays
  • Radiation from rocks underground
  • Nuclear fallout
  • Medical rays
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How is background radiation dealt with in calculations?

A

It must be subtracted before calculations (half life etc.) are attempted.

17
Q

Define half life

A

Half life is the time taken for the number of radioactive nuclei to halve, or the time taken for the count rate/activity to halve

18
Q

Give 3 practical applications of radioactive material

A
  • Medical tracers
  • Radiotherapy
  • Smoke alarms
19
Q

What kind of radiation is used in smoke alarms?

A

Alpha radiation

20
Q

How do smoke alarms work?

A

Alpha radiation is emitted into the air, reaching a detector and completing the circuit. If smoke is present, it blocks alpha radiation so it does not reach the detector and the circuit is broken, causing an alarm to sound.

21
Q

Give a use of beta emitters

A

Thickness monitoring of metal sheets.

22
Q

How does thickness monitoring work?

A

A source and receiver are placed on either side of the sheet. If there is a drop or rise in the number of particles detected, the thickness has changed and needs adjusting.

23
Q

How is radiation used in sterilisation?

A

Gamma emitters are used to kill bacteria/parasites on equipment.

24
Q

How are medical tracers chosen?

A
  • They should have a short half life and decay into a stable isotope which can be excreted, making it safe for use in the body.
  • It should release only gamma radiation so is
    weakly ionising and can pass easily through body
    tissue without damaging it.
25
Q

What kind of radiation is used for radiotherapy?

A

Gamma radiation

26
Q

Explain the process of radiotherapy

A
  • Gamma emitters direct gamma rays onto specific areas with cancerous cells
  • The cells absorb the radiation and die
27
Q

What are the risks of ionising radiation to people?

A

can damage living cells, causing them to die or mutate and become cancerous.

28
Q

What are some safety precautions for using radiation?

A
  • Minimise exposure time
  • Keep as much distance from the source as possible
  • Use shielding eg. lead
29
Q

Alpha Decay Equation

A
30
Q

Beta Decay Equation

A
31
Q

What is the Half-Life of this Graph?

A

2 days

Physics (24 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions