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isotope
same number of protons different number of neutrons
radioactive decay
spontaneous transformation of an unstable nucleus into a more stable nucleus
proton charge
+1
proton mass
1
neutron mass
1
neutron charge
0
electron mass
1/1800
electron charge
-1
gamma radiation
weakly ionising, high penetration stopped by lead
alpha radiation
highly ionising, low penetration, stopped by paper or skin
beta radiation
moderately penetrating and ionising, stopped by aluminium
uses for alpha radiation
smoke alarm
how does smoke alarm work with radiation
alpha particles create current in alarm
smoke enter, particles absorbed
current drips trigger alarm
gamma radiation uses
sterilisation and tracers
beta radiation uses
thickness monitoring
thicker = more particles absorbed
background radiation
weak radiation detected from external sources
eg of background radiation
rocks, cosmic rays, food&drink, medical sources, nuclear waste
half life
time taken for half the time of undecayed nuclei to decay
activity
number if decays per unit bequerels
contaimination
unwanted presence of materials contain radioactive atoms
irradation
exposure of object to radiation
geiger muller to detect radiation
detects count rate of radioactive particles per second
geiger muller method
leave tube in empty room
take reading after 100s
subtract background radiation
fission
splitting a nucleus that releases energy
fusion
two nuclei collide and fuse to create larger heavier nucleus
two hydrogen to from helium
how do stars release energy
nuclear fusion
nuclear fusion conditions
high temp and pressure
due to electrostatic repulsion of protons
nuclear radiation
controls rate of reaction
absorbs neutrons
control rode
(boron) absorb neutrons
coolant
prevents overheating
moderator
slows down neutrons collisions
has a graphite core
core
steel vessel
withstands pressure
absorbs some radiation
