Topic 6: Radioactivity Flashcards
What are isotopes?
Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
What is radioactive decay?
The process where unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.
What are alpha particles composed of?
2 protons and 2 neutrons.
What is the charge of a beta particle?
Negative (−1).
What materials can stop alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?
Alpha: Paper; Beta: Aluminum; Gamma: Thick lead or concrete.
What is a half-life?
The time it takes for half the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.
What is background radiation?
Radiation present in the environment from natural and artificial sources.
Name one natural and one man-made source of background radiation.
Natural: Radon gas; Man-made: Medical X-rays.
What is nuclear fission?
The splitting of a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
What is nuclear fusion?
The process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
