Radioactive Decay (AQA GCSE Physics Combined Science): Flashcards
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Radioactive decay
Radioactive decay
A random process where unstable nuclei emit radiation to become more stable
Activity unit
Activity unit
Becquerel (Bq)
Count-rate
Count-rate
Number of decays recorded by a detector per second
What is an alpha particle?
What is an alpha particle?
A helium nucleus
Alpha ionising power
Alpha ionising power
Highly ionising
Alpha penetration
Alpha penetration
Weakly penetrating (~5cm of air)
Alpha decay: mass number change
Alpha decay: mass number change
Reduces by 4
Alpha decay: atomic number change
Alpha decay: atomic number change
Reduces by 2
What is a beta particle?
What is a beta particle?
An electron
Beta decay: atomic number change
Beta decay: atomic number change
Increases by 1
Beta decay: mass number change
Beta decay: mass number change
Stays the same
Gamma ionising power
Gamma ionising power
Low ionising
Gamma effect on nucleus
Gamma effect on nucleus
No change to charge or mass - removes excess energy