Atomic Structure and Radioisotopes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture on atomic structure, radioisotopes, and their properties.

Atomic Structure

The arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons within an atom.

Radioisotope

A radioactive isotope that has an unstable nucleus and undergoes decay to become more stable.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that contain the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Mass Number

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Alpha Particle (α)

A type of high-energy particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during alpha decay.

Beta Particle (β)

A high-speed electron emitted during beta decay from a radioactive nucleus.

Gamma Radiation (γ)

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay.

Half-Life

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

Electron Arrangement

The distribution of electrons in the energy levels or orbitals around an atom's nucleus.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom that determine its chemical properties.

Periodic Table

A tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number, showing periodic trends.

Core Concept – Nuclear Symbol

A notation that shows the atomic symbol with the mass number as a superscript and the atomic number as a subscript.

Penetrating Power

The ability of radiation to pass through matter, with alpha particles being the least penetrating and gamma rays the most.

Acute Radiation Exposure

A single, high dose of radiation received in a short period of time.

Chronic Radiation Exposure

Repeated, lower doses of radiation received over a long period.

Natural Abundance

The relative proportion of an isotope found in nature compared to all isotopes of that element.

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that carries enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms and molecules.