Radiation

What happens when an atom gains energy?

Electrons move to higher shells.

What is ionisation?

When the electron has enough energy to leave the atom.

What is background radiation?

Ionising radiation that’s always around us.

What are the two ways to measure radioactivity?

With photographic film or a GM tube.

What is a beta particle?

A fast-moving electron.

What is an alpha particle?

A helium nucleus.

What happens during alpha decay?

Two protons and two neutrons are emitted from the nucleus.

What happens during beta plus decay?

A positron is released from the nucleus.

What happens during beta minus decay?

An electron is released from the nucleus.

What is radioactive activity?

The number of radioactive decays per second.

What is half-life?

The amount of time it takes for half of an unstable nuclei to decay.

What is contamination?

When someone gets radioactive material on or in their body.

What is irradiation?

When someone is exposed to radiation that leaves when they move from the source.

What is the charge of a neutron?

0

What is the charge of an electron?

-1

What is the charge of a proton?

+1

What is the charge of a positron?

+1

What is the mass of a neutron?

1

What is the mass of a proton?

1

What is the mass of an electron and a positron?

1/1835

What are alpha particles stopped by?

A few centimetres of paper.

What are beta particles stopped by?

A few metres of aluminium.

What are gamma particles stopped by?

A few kilometres of lead.

What is a use of radiation?

Either: medical screenings, curing cancer, or smoke detection.

What is a danger of radiation?

Either: death, cancer, irradiation, poisoning or contamination.