IDK

• What is an unstable nucleus?


  A nucleus that can emit particles through radiation
• What are the types of radiation and their properties?

  1. Alpha: stopped by paper
  2. Beta: goes through paper
  3. Gamma: most penetrating
• What is the atomic number?


  The number of protons in an atom
• What is the mass number?


  The number of protons plus neutrons in an atom
• What happens during alpha decay?


  Two protons and two neutrons are emitted from the nucleus
• What is the representation of an alpha particle?


  $⁴₂α$
• What occurs during beta decay?


  A neutron turns into an electron and a proton
• What is the representation of a beta particle?


  $⁰₋₁β$
• What is gamma radiation?


  An uncharged electromagnetic ray emitted from the nucleus
• What are the penetrating powers of different types of radiation?


  • Alpha: stopped by paper, distance 5 cm
  • Beta: stopped by aluminium sheet, distance 1 m
  • Gamma: stopped by concrete, distance unlimited
• What is ionization in the context of radiation?


  It causes atoms to lose electrons and become charged
• What is irradiation?


  When an object is exposed to ionizing radiation
• What is radioactive contamination?


  The unwanted presence of radioactive material
• What is half-life in radioactivity?


  The average time for the count rate to halve
• How is activity defined in radioactivity?


  The number of unstable atoms that decay per second
• How does radioactive decay occur?


  It is a random process and cannot be predicted
• If you start with 1000 unstable atoms and 10% decay per hour, how many will remain after 1 hour?


  900
• If you start with 1000 unstable atoms and 10% decay per hour, how many will remain after 3 hours?


  729
• What are some examples of nuclear radiation in medicine?


  Radioactive tracers, gamma cameras, and radioactive implants
• What is the purpose of radioactive tracers in medicine?


  To trace the flow of a substance in an organ
• How are gamma cameras used in medicine?


  To take images of internal body organs
• How is gamma radiation used in cancer treatment?


  To destroy cancer cells
• What is nuclear fission?


  The splitting of an unstable nucleus into two daughter nuclei
• What initiates a fission reaction?


  A fast emitted neutron is absorbed by an unstable uranium nucleus
• What is produced during a fission reaction?


  Two daughter nuclei, gamma rays, and neutrons
• What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?


  High-speed neutrons are absorbed by more unstable nuclei
• What role does water play in a nuclear reactor?


  It acts as a moderator and coolant
• What is nuclear fusion?


  The joining of two lightweight nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
• What happens to the mass during nuclear fusion?


  Some of the mass is converted to energy and emitted as radiation
• How is plasma created in a fusion reactor?


  By heating it with an electrical current and containing it with a magnetic field
• What are the key differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?


  • Fission: splitting of heavy nuclei, produces energy and neutrons
  • Fusion: joining of light nuclei, converts mass to energy