Isotopes and Nuclear Radiation
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Give the definition of the term ‘isotopes’.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
What is ionising radiation?
Any radiation that can knock electrons from atoms
What is the process of radioactive decay?
This is when unstable isotopes decay into other elements, giving out radiation as they try to become more stable
Some nuclear radiation is ionising. State three types of ionising radiation emitted by radioactive decay.
• Alpha • Beta • Gamma
What are the properties of alpha?
• Alpha radiation is when an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus • An alpha particle is two neutrons and two protons (the equivalent to a helium nucleus) • Doesn’t penetrate very far into materials / stopped quickly • Can travel a few cm in air / absorbed by thin paper • Strongly ionising because of their size
What are the properties of beta?
• A beta-minus particle is a fast-moving electron released by nucleus • A beta-plus particle is a fast-moving positron (antiparticle of electron) • Both are moderately ionising • Beta-minus particles have range in air of a few metres / are absorbed by sheet of aluminium (around 5mm thick) • Positrons have a smaller range
What are the properties of gamma?
• Gamma rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation released by nucleus to carry away excess energy • Penetrate far into materials / will travel long distance through air • Weakly ionising • Can be absorbed by thick sheets of lead / metres of concrete
After a nucleus has decayed, it often undergoes nuclear rearrangement. Describe what is meant by this.
This is when the nucleus releases some energy in the form of gamma rays
(Exam-style question)
