Topic 7: Types of Radiation Flashcards
What is the proton number?
The number of protons in an atom (also known as the atomic number).
What is the nucleon number?
The number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
What are isotopes?
Different forms of a particular element - different number of neutrons.
Why are some atoms radioactive?
Due to an imbalance in protons and neutrons, they are unstable.
How does the nucleus try to become more stable?
It emits radiation via radioactive decay: alpha, beta and gamma.
What are 4 facts about alpha radiation?
Helium atom - 2 protons, 2 neutrons
Highly ionising - most damaging inside the body
Cannot penetrate a piece of paper.
Travel at 10% of the speed of light.
What are 4 facts about beta radiation?
Electrons
Medium ionising power
Cannot penetrate few mm of aluminium
Fast moving - 50% speed of light
What are 4 facts about gamma radiation?
Electromagnetic wave
Low ionising power - passes through body
Cannot penetrate several cm of lead
High energy - 100% speed of light
What device is used to measure samples of radioactivity?
A Geiger counter.
How do we measure radioactive decay as accurately as possible?
Radioactive decay = random and spontaneous, so:
- Repeat the experiment and find an average
- Carry out experiment over a long period of time
What is the main contributor to background radiation?
Radon gas.
What are 2 artificial contributors of background radiation?
Medical industry - x-rays
Nuclear industry - nuclear missiles
How is radon gas formed and what does it emit?
Formed when uranium in volcanic rock (eg: granite) decays.
Emits alpha radiation.
What is nuclear waste mainly produced by?
Nuclear power stations.
How long does nuclear waste take to decay?
1000s of years.
