Radioactive Decay (AQA GCSE Physics): Flashcards
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Process of unstable nuclei emitting radiation
Process of unstable nuclei emitting radiation
Radioactive decay
Unit of activity
Unit of activity
Becquerel (Bq)
Count-rate definition
Count-rate definition
Number of decays recorded by 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 in air
Alpha penetration in air
~5cm
Alpha decay: atomic number change
Alpha decay: atomic number change
Decreases by 2
Alpha decay: mass number change
Alpha decay: mass number change
Decreases by 4
What is a beta particle?
What is a beta particle?
An electron
Beta ionising power
Beta ionising power
Medium ionising
Beta penetration in air
Beta penetration in air
~50cm
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
Effect of gamma rays on nucleus charge/mass
Effect of gamma rays on nucleus charge/mass
Don't change charge or mass