Unit 8: Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards
What is radioactivity?
The ability of an atom to emit, or give off, charged particles and energy from its nucleus.
What is a radioisotope?
An isotype of an element that has unstable nuclei.
What is radioactive decay?
The process by which an unstable nucleus rearranges itself.
What is radiation?
The charged particles or energy from radioactive nuclei.
What is alpha decay?
When an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) and energy. It is the least penetrating of the types of decay and is stopped by a sheet of paper.
What is beta decay?
When an unstable nucleus emits a beta particle (1 electron), an antineutrino, and energy.
What is gamma decay?
When an unstable nucleus emits energy in the form of a gamma ray. It is the most dangerous type of decay because it is the most penetrating. It is stopped by lead.
What is nuclear decay rate?
How fast nuclear changes take place in a radioactive substance.
What is half-life?
The time required for one half of the sample of a radioisotope to decay.
What is radioactive dating?
Using radioisotopes to estimate the age of rocks.
