Nuclear chemistry

Radioactive decay involves ..................?

changes in the nuclei of atoms

Unstable nuclei can become more stable nuclei by giving out ............................?

alpha, beta or gamma radiation

What are alpha particles

Alpha particles (α) consist of two protons and two neutrons and carry a double positive charge.

How far can alpha particles travel in the air?

A few centimetres

What are alpha particles stopped by?

piece of paper

What are alpha particles attracted to?

negatively charged plate

What are beta particles?

Beta particles (β) are electrons ejected from the nucleus of an atom

How far can beta particles travel?

over a metre

What are beta particles stopped by?

thin sheet of aluminium

What are beta particles attracted to?

positively charged plate

What are gamma rays?

Gamma rays (γ) are electromagnetic waves emitted from within the nucleus of an atom

How far can gamma rays travel in air?

great distances

What are gamma rays stopped by?

barriers made of materials such as lead or concrete

What are gamma rays attracted to?

Gamma rays are not deflected by an electric field

The sum of the ____________ __________ on the left of the reaction arrow is ___________ to the sum of the ____________ __________ on the right of the reaction arrow.

atomic numbers, equal, atomic numbers

The sum of the _____ ___________ on the left of the reaction arrow is __________ to the sum of the ______ _________on the right of the reaction arrow.

mass number, equal, mass number

What is a half-life

The time for half of the nuclei of a particular isotope to decay

The half-life of an isotope is a ________________, unaffected by _____________ or ___________conditions

constant, chemical or physical

Radioactive isotopes can be used to?

date materials

The half-life of an isotope can be determined from?

a graph showing a decay curve

Radioisotopes have a range of uses in ______________ and in _____________

medicine and industry