Atomic Structure, Radioactivity, and Quantum Numbers

A set of 10 vocabulary flashcards covering Moseley's Law, Radioactivity, Alpha/Beta/Gamma rays, Radiocarbon Dating, and Quantum Numbers based on the lecture notes.

Moseley's Law

The law stating that the square root of the frequency ($\sqrt{\nu}$) of x-rays is directly proportional to the atomic number ($Z$) of the element, represented by the equation $\sqrt{\nu} = a(Z - b)$.

Natural Radioactivity

The phenomenon in which certain unstable elements spontaneously emit invisible radioactive rays to break down into more stable elements, continuing until stable lead ($\text{Pb-82}$) is formed.

Pitchblende

A uranium mineral worked on by Henry Becquerel in 1896 A.D., from which Marrie Curie and Pierre Curie later isolated the radioactive elements Polonium and Radium.

Radiocarbon Dating

A method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon, a radioactive isotope of carbon.

Artificial Radioactivity

The production of nuclear radiations when a stable element is bombarded or struck by a nuclear particle.

Alpha Particle

A radioactive emission particle composed of two protons and two neutrons like Helium nuclei, carrying a $+2$ charge and a mass of $4\,\text{amu}$.

Beta Particle

A radioactive emission particle composed of electrons with a mass of $\frac{1}{1836}\,\text{amu}$ and a $-1$ charge, traveling at $\frac{9}{10}\text{th}$ the velocity of light.

Gamma Rays

Neutral electromagnetic radiations with zero mass and high penetrating power that pass without deflection through electric and magnetic fields and travel as fast as the velocity of light.

Orbital

A region of three-dimensional space around the nucleus where the maximum probability of finding an electron takes place.

Principal Quantum Number

A quantum number represented by $n$ (with positive values $1, 2, 3\dots$) that describes the size and energy level of an orbit, as well as the distance of an electron from the nucleus.