Question | Answer |
C-14 and C-12 are called what? | Isotopes |
What differs between isotopes? | The number of neutrons, therefore the atomic mass |
What holds the nucleus together? | The Strong force |
Why do isotopes have the same atomic number? | They have the same number of protons |
What ratio of protons to neutrons is considered stable? | 1:1 for light elements (first three rows); 2:3(.67)for heavy elements (bottom rows) |
The release of both particles and energy from nuclear decay | radioactivity |
All elements on the periodic table after this one have ONLY radioactive isotopes. | Bismuth (Bi) |
What did Henri Becquerel discover? | radioactivity |
What are the 3 types of nuclear radiation in increasing order of penetrating power? | alpha, beta, gamma |
Cannot go through your skin, but harmful if swallowed | alpha particle . |
Radiation made of two protons and two neutrons | alpha particle |
High speed electron emitted from a nucleus | beta particle |
Negative and can be stopped by a thin sheet (foil) of metal | beta particle |
How can an electron be released from the nucleus of a radioactive isotope as it decays? | When a neutron decays, it breaks down into a proton and an electron, which is released from the nucleus. |
Electromagnetic waves with high energy | gamma rays |
Most penetrating; stopped only by thick lead or many feet of concrete | gamma rays |
What do we use to determine the stability of an isotope? | proton to neutron ratio |
The process of combining together 2 nuclei with low masses to make a new larger atom | fusion |
The process of splitting a nucleus of an atom into two smaller atoms | fission |
The time it takes for 1/2 the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay | half-life |
A radioactive isotope used by doctors in nuclear imaging to track where molecules go in the body | tracer |
A device that detects radiation by producing a current and “clicking” | Geiger counter |
Causes protons and neutrons to be attracted to each other in the nucleus of an atom | strong force |
The process of changing one element into another through nuclear decay | transmutation |
A scientist would most likely use carbon-14 to determine the age of what? | A piece of bone or other formerly living material |
What keeps the chain reaction in a nuclear power plant under control so the plant does not explode like a nuclear bomb? | Control rods absorb neutrons |
What are some practical uses of nuclear radiation? | Radiation can be used to map brain activity, trace tumors in the body, and treat cancer |