Unit 3 Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards
1
Q
why are isotopes radioactive?
A
they have an unstable nucleus (i.e. more neutrons than protons)
2
Q
why is energy emitted from radioactive isotopes?
A
they emit energy as they spontaneously rearrange to reduce the size of the nucleus (this is nuclear decay)
3
Q
what are the tree types of radiation
A
alpha, beta and gamma
4
Q
what is the mass and charge of each type of radiation?
A
alpha - helium particle with a mass of 4, charge of 2
beta - electron with mass of 0 and change of -1
gamma - electromagnetic waves - no mass or charge
5
Q
how can each type of radiation be stopped?
A
alpha - paper or a few centimetres of air
beta - a thin sheet of aluminium
gamma - thick layer of concrete
