atomic structure + radioactivity

• What is the relative charge of an electron?

  -1
• What does atomic number represent?

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


  Sum of protons and neutrons
• What is radioactive decay?

  Process of unstable isotopes losing energy
• What are alpha particles?

  Positively charged helium nuclei
• What are beta particles?

  Negatively charged electrons emitted
• What are gamma rays?

  High-energy electromagnetic radiation
• What is the significance of the decay process?

  It transforms one element into another
• How does alpha decay affect atomic number?

  Decreases atomic number by two
• How does beta decay affect atomic number?

  Increases atomic number by one
• What happens during electron capture?

  An electron combines with a proton
• What is the effect of gamma radiation on atomic number?

  No change in atomic number
• What is the behavior of alpha particles in an electric field?

  They are attracted to the negative plate
• What is the behavior of beta particles in an electric field?

  They are attracted to the positive plate
• What is the behavior of gamma rays in an electric field?

  They are unaffected by the electric field
• What are the characteristics of alpha particles?

  • Positively charged
  • Heavy and slow-moving
  • Stopped by paper
• What are the characteristics of beta particles?

  • Negatively charged
  • Light and fast-moving
  • Stopped by aluminum
• What are the characteristics of gamma rays?

  • High-energy radiation
  • No charge
  • Stopped by thick lead or concrete
• What is the process of radioactive decay?

  • Unstable isotopes lose energy
  • Transform into stable isotopes
  • Emit radiation (alpha, beta, gamma)
• What happens to an electron during electron capture?

  It falls into the nucleus and is captured.
• What is the result of an electron falling into the nucleus during electron capture?

  A proton changes into a neutron, emitting an electron neutrino.
• How does the atomic number change during electron capture?

  The atomic number decreases by one.
• What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

  Time taken for half of the isotope to decay.
• How does radiation affect DNA in cells?

  It can cause damage leading to mutations.
• What can result from DNA damage due to radiation?

  Changes in cell functions and potential cancer.
• What is the relationship between radiation dose and cell damage?

  Higher doses lead to increased damage and death.
• What type of radiation is considered most hazardous when outside the body?

  Gamma radiation is most hazardous externally.
• Why is alpha radiation less dangerous when outside the body?

  It cannot penetrate the skin effectively.
• What are the beneficial uses of radiation in medicine?

  • Cancer treatment through radiotherapy
  • Tracer studies in medical diagnostics
  • Carbon-14 dating for archaeological findings
  • Nuclear power generation for electricity
• What is the purpose of using gamma radiation in cancer treatment?

  To target and destroy cancerous cells.
• What is the purpose of measuring the thickness of metal foil in radiation experiments?

  To assess the absorption of different radiation types.
• What is the relative mass of a proton?

  1
• What is the relative charge of a proton?

  +1
• What is the relative mass of a neutron?

  1
• What is the relative charge of a neutron?

  0
• What is the relative mass of an electron?

  1/1840
• What is the relative charge of an electron?

  -1
• What are the effects of radioactive decay on atomic structure?

  • Alpha decay: Decreases atomic number by 2
  • Beta decay: Increases atomic number by 1
  • Electron capture: Decreases atomic number by 1
• what type of decay is this?

  alpha decay

  
• what type of decay is this?

  beta decay