Radioactive Decay (OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science Suite)): Flashcards
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Type of process for radioactive decay
Type of process for radioactive decay
Random process
Unit for measuring activity
Unit for measuring activity
Becquerel, Bq
Count-rate definition
Count-rate definition
Number of decays recorded by detector per second
Example of radiation detector
Example of radiation detector
Geiger-Muller Tube
Alpha particle composition
Alpha particle composition
Helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons)
Alpha radiation: ionisation level
Alpha radiation: ionisation level
Highly ionising
Alpha radiation: penetration level
Alpha radiation: penetration level
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
Beta particle identity
Beta particle identity
Electron
Beta decay: mass number change
Beta decay: mass number change
Stays the same
Beta decay: atomic number change
Beta decay: atomic number change
Increases by 1
Gamma radiation: ionisation level
Gamma radiation: ionisation level
Low ionising
Gamma radiation: penetration level
Gamma radiation: penetration level
Highly penetrating (few cm of lead)
Gamma radiation: effect on nucleus
Gamma radiation: effect on nucleus
No charge/mass change; removes excess energy