radioactivity

• What is meant by radioactive decay?

  It is the process of unstable nuclei giving out radiation.
• How many types of nuclear radiation are there?

  Four types
• What are isotopes?

  Atoms of the same element with different neutrons.
• What happens to an unstable nucleus during radioactive decay?

  It gives out radiation to become stable.
• How is activity measured?

  In Becquerels (Bq)
• What is the symbol for activity in radioactive decay?

  Capital B lowercase q
• What does one Becquerel equal?

  One decay per second
• What is a Geiger-Müller tube used for?

  To measure the activity of a radioactive source.
• What is the count rate?

  The number of decays recorded each second.
• How does count rate differ from activity?

  Count rate includes background radiation effects.
• What is the first type of radiation emitted by unstable nuclei?

  Alpha particles
• What do alpha particles consist of?

  Two protons and two neutrons.
• What is the relationship between alpha particles and helium atoms?

  Alpha particles are the same as helium nuclei.
• What is a beta particle?

  An electron ejected from the nucleus.
• How is a beta particle formed?

  When a neutron changes into a proton and electron.
• What type of radiation are gamma rays?

  A type of electromagnetic radiation.
• What is the fourth type of radiation emitted by unstable nuclei?

  Neutrons
• What are the four types of nuclear radiation?

  1. Alpha particles
  2. Beta particles
  3. Gamma rays
  4. Neutrons
• What is the process of radioactive decay?

  • Unstable nucleus emits radiation
  • Nucleus becomes stable
  • Random process, cannot be predicted