Topic 6
Cards (17)
- The rate at which an unstable nucleus decays, reducing over time.
- A positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
- Radiation that is found in small quantities all around us and originates from natural sources such as rocks and cosmic rays, as well as from man-made sources such as nuclear weapons testing and accidents.
- A high speed electron that a nucleus emits when a neutron converts into a proton.
- A model of the atom that suggested that electrons orbit the nucleus at set distances.
- The process of neutrons released by a fission reaction, being absorbed by another unstable, large nuclei, and inducing further fission.
- The stable states in which electrons are found in around a nucleus, they can transition to higher ones by absorbing EM radiation and to lower ones by emitting it.
- Two smaller nuclei, two or three neutrons and gamma rays. All are released with kinetic energy.
- Electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus.
- A device used to detect ionising radiation.
- The time it takes for the number of unstable nuclei of an isotope in a sample to half, or for the initial count rate to half.
- The process of an object being exposed to nuclear radiation. The object doesn’t become radioactive.
- The splitting of a large and unstable nucleus into two smaller and more stable nuclei to produce energy. This is the method currently used in nuclear power stations.
- The joining of two small, light nuclei to form a larger, heavier one and release energy. It cannot happen at low pressures and temperatures since in these conditions the electrostatic repulsion of protons in the nucleus cannot be overcome.
- A medical imaging device that uses radioactive tracers and detectors to form internal body images.
- The unwanted presence of radioactive atoms on other materials. It is hazardous due to the decay of the contaminating parts.
- The random process involving unstable nuclei emitting radiation to become more stable.