Unit 25 - Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
What is transmutation?
A
The release of energy and matter from an atoms nucleus and subsequent transformation into a new element
2
Q
What type of decay does proton-rich give off?
A
Beta +
3
Q
What type of decay does neutron rich give off?
A
Beta -
4
Q
Why is radioactive decay considered to be random?
A
cannot predict when a nucleus in a sample will decay, each nucleus within a sample has the same chance of decaying per unit time
5
Q
Why is radioactive decay considered to be spontaneous?
A
the presence of other nuclei in the sample, external factors such as pressure
6
Q
What is a half life?
A
Time taken for half of the un-decayed nuclei to decay
