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What is radioactivity
The spontaneous breaking up of unstable nuclei, accompanied by the emission of one or more types of radiation.
What is a geiger-muller tube
Used to detect the presence of radiation
Whats the properties of alpha particles (nature, charge and penetrating power)
2 protons and 2 neutrons
+2 charge
A few cm of air
Properties of beta particles (nature, charge, penetrating power)
Electrons
-1
5mm of aluminum
Properties of gamma rays(nature, charge, penetrating power)
Electromagnetic radiation
0
Thick lead
What is the difference between nuclear reactions and chemical reactions
N: change in nucleus CR: changing electrons
N: New element formed CR: No new element formed
N: Nuclear radiation released CR: No radiation released
How do you calculate alpha emission
Mass number decreases by 4, atomic number decreases by 2
How do you calculate beta emission
Atomic number increases by 1
What happens during beta emission
A neutron splits up into a proton and an electron.
The proton remains in the nucleus.
The electron is ejected at high speed.
What happens during gamma emission
When gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus, the structure of the nucleus doesn’t change. However, it will have lost energy and become more stable.
What is half-life of a radioactive sample
The time taken for half of the undecayed atoms to decay.
What is a radioisotope
Radioactive isotope
Uses of radiation
Alpha particles: Americium 241: Smoke alarms
Beta particles: Carbon 14: Carbon dating
Gamma rays: Cobalt: Killing tumours
