| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Isotope | Atoms of an element having the same Z#, but different A#; results in a variation of the # of neutrons |
| Low A# nuclides | #N = #P - e.g. C (P6, N6), O (P8, N8) |
| High A# nuclides | #N > #P - e.g. tungsten (P74, N110) |
| Radioisotopes | Isotopes in which the difference between the number of protons and the number of neutrons become so great that a breakdown in the nucleus occurs in an attempt to reach stability; Z# greater or equal to 84 (very heavy nuclides) |
| Radioactive decay | The process that the nucleas goes through to achieve stability, i.e. radioisotopes; to reach stability, nucleus will emit particles and/or energy sometimes transforming itself into another element, e.g. Uranium - Radium - Radon - Radium A, B, C (billions of years) = Lead stable |
| Alpha emission | Consists of two protons and two neutrons that are emitted from the nucleus, thus lightening the nucleus and causing the A# to be reduced by four, and the Z# by two (element is completely changed); rare |
| Beta emission | When a beta particle (electron like particle) is ejected from the nucleus; this release causes a neutron to convert into a proton; therefore, Z# increases by 1, A# remains the same; also results in element changing from one type to another |
| Gamma emission | A radioactive nucleus that undergoes _____ ________ emits a very high energy photon. This is due to the nucleus reorganizing itself in a lower energy state, much like a photon is given off by an electron when it moves from a high energy level to a lower one. The nucleus does not change otherwise. |
| Alpha particle | Like a helium nucleus 2p/2n; A# = 4; Charge = +2 |
| Beta particle | A# = 0; Charge = -1 (negative) |
| Electromagnetic radiation | X-ray & gamma rays |
| Electromagnetic radiation | Energy not matter |
| Electromagnetic radiation | No mass, no charge |
| Electromagnetic radiation | Travels at the speed of light 3 X 10^8 m/s or 186,000 miles per second |
| Beta particle | Emitted from nucleus of radioactive atoms |
| Beta particle | Less ionizing but more penetrating |
| Alpha particle | Highly ionizing, therefore loses its energy quickly when it interacts with matter; low penetration |
| Alpha particle | Emitted only from nucleus of large (heavy elements) |
| Y-gamma | Emitted from the nucleus of a radioisotope |
| X-rays | Produced outside nucleus, in electron clouds |
| Electromagnetic radiation | Lower ionizing level but high range of penetration |
Combine with other sets
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