Radioactive Decay (OCR GCSE Physics A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)): Flashcards
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What is radioactive decay?
What is radioactive decay?
Random process where unstable nuclei emit radiation to become more stable
Unit for measuring activity
Unit for measuring activity
Becquerel (Bq)
Definition of count-rate
Definition of count-rate
Decays recorded by detector per second
Composition of alpha particle
Composition of alpha particle
Helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons)
Alpha particle ionising power
Alpha particle ionising power
Highly ionising
Alpha particle penetrating power
Alpha particle penetrating power
Weakly penetrating (~5cm of air)
Mass number change in alpha decay
Mass number change in alpha decay
Decreases by 4
Atomic number change in alpha decay
Atomic number change in alpha decay
Decreases by 2
What is a beta particle?
What is a beta particle?
Electron
Beta particle ionising power
Beta particle ionising power
Medium ionising
Mass number change in beta decay
Mass number change in beta decay
Stays the same
Atomic number change in beta decay
Atomic number change in beta decay
Increases by 1
Gamma ray ionising power
Gamma ray ionising power
Low ionising
Gamma ray penetrating power
Gamma ray penetrating power
Highly penetrating (few cm of lead)
Gamma effect on nucleus charge/mass
Gamma effect on nucleus charge/mass
No change; releases excess energy