Unit 2.7 - Types of Radiation

Question 1

Define the term proton number (Z).

Answer 1

The number of protons an atom has.

Question 2

Define the term nucleon number (A).

Answer 2

The total number of protons and neutrons an atom has,

Question 3

Define the term isotope.

Answer 3

Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Question 4

What is the cause of radioactive emissions?

Answer 4

Unstable nuclei due to an imbalance between the numbers of protons and neutrons.

Question 5

What are the difficulties with disposing of waste from nuclear power stations and medicine?

Answer 5

The waste materials are radioactive, and may have long half-lives, so they will remain radioactive for thousands of years; the waste materials must be stored deep underground or at sea as the radiation is very penetrating.

Question 6

What factors can affect an individual’s radiation dose?

Answer 6

Altitude (more cosmic radiation at higher altitudes), type of rocks in an area can affect amount of radon, living near power stations, nuclear medical treatments.

Question 7

What is the consequence of the random nature of radioactive decay when measuring it?

Answer 7

Repeat readings must be taken over a long period of time.

Question 8

Name the three types of radiation and describe what they are, structurally.

Answer 8

Alpha (helium nucleus), Beta (high energy electron), Gamma (electromagnetic wave)

Question 9

Describe the difference between the three types of radiation in terms of ionisation and penetrating power.

Answer 9

Alpha - most ionising, least penetrating.
Beta - moderately ionising, moderately penetrating
Gamma - least ionising, most penetrating.

Question 10

How can householders be protected from radon?

Answer 10

Legislation requires newer homes to have better ventilation to avoid a build up of radioactive radon.