Radiation Flashcards

Flashcards about Radiation

Atom

The smallest part of an element with all its chemical properties

Proton

Positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom

Neutron

Uncharged particle found in the nucleus of an atom

Electron

Negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom

Neutron / Proton Ratio

The ratio of neutrons to protons increases in heavy isotopes. When this ratio increases, a point is reached where the nuclide is not stable.

Radionuclides

Atoms with unstable nuclei that emit radiation.

Radioactive Decay

The process by which unstable atoms release excess energy by emitting radiation.

Radioactive Fragmentation

The loss of activity of radioactive objects by disintegration.

Law of Radioactive Decay

N=N0.e-λt

Half-Life

The time it takes for a radioactive substance to halve the initial available atomic number.

Biological Half-Life

The time it takes for half of a given amount of radioactive material given to living tissue, an organ, or an organism to be removed from the biological environment.

Effective Half-Life

The period during which the radioactive substance is effective in the body.

Radiation

Energy that acts as waves or particles.

Particle Radiation

Very fast-moving tiny particles with a given mass and energy.

Alpha Particles

A helium nucleus made up of two protons and two neutrons.

Beta Particles

Positively or negatively charged electrons emitted during radioactive decay.

Wave Type Radiation

Radiation with a definite energy but no mass, traveling at the speed of light.

Neutrons

Particles that have a mass approximately equal to that of a proton and have no electric charge; not formed as a result of radioactive decay.

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that can create charged particles (ions) in the matter it hits.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Radiation with lower energy that does not ionize atoms but can cause other effects.

Absorbed Dose

A measure of the energy stored per unit mass from radiation; unit is Gray (Gy).

Equivalent Dose

An expression of energy collected in the body, including biological damage according to the type and energy of radiation; unit is Sievert (Sv).

Effective Dose

A concept used to express the risk that the dose taken by the tissues or organs has for the whole body; unit is Sievert.

Measuring Radiation

Radiation sensitive devices that measure radiation.

Ionising radiation

high energy radiation, which can ionize an atom upon colliding with it to emit more radiation

Non-Ionising Radiation

low energy radiation in which it does not emit particles from other materials

(-) charged betas (negatron) are emitted

due to an excess of neutrons

(+) charged betas (positrons) are emitted

due to an excess of protons

Gamma ray

originates from the nucleus of the atom

X ray

originates from the electron space of the atom

Ionizing Radiation Particle and Wave Type

Gamma rays, X rays, Particle Type ,Alpha Rays, Beta Rays, Fast Electrons

Non-Ionizing Radiation Particle and Wave Type

Radio Waves, Microwaves, Visible Light, Infrared, Ultraviolet

Gamma Rays

occurs in the nucleus of the atom. has ejected an alpha and a beta particle core energy is emitted as electromagnetic radiation.

Radiation Dose

It is the amount of radiation energy absorbed or received by the target mass in a given time.