AP Chemistry - Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards

Flashcards about Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha Particle (α)

A type of radiation consisting of 2 neutrons and 2 protons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

Radioactive Decay

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Americium-241

A radioactive element found in smoke detectors; it decays through alpha decay.

Geiger Counter

An instrument that detects radioactivity.

Strontium-90

A beta-emitting radioisotope used in radiotherapy for controlling cancer, specifically conjunctival melanoma.

Gamma Radiation (γ)

A type of radiation consisting of high-energy electromagnetic waves with no mass.

Cobalt-60

A radioisotope used in gamma irradiation to kill the organisms or viruses that cause disease in food.

Half-life

The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Beta Particle (β)

A type of radiation consisting of an electron emitted from an atomic nucleus during the conversion of a neutron to a proton.

Cobalt-60

A beta-emitting isotope previously used to irradiate seeds and improve crop yields.