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IGCSE Physics Radioactivity and Particles
IGCSE Physics Radioactivity and Particles
27
Physics
10th Grade
03/20/2011

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Term
Nucleus
(made of...)
(charge...)
(mass...)
Definition
The dense core of the atom.
Protons and neutrons.
Positive
1 atomic mass unit
Term
Proton number
Definition
Number of protons in the nucleus
aka atomic number
Term
Nucleon number
Definition
Number of protons plus neutrons in the atom.
Term
Neutron
(charge...)
(mass...)
Definition
Particle in the nucleus
Neutral
1 atomic mass unit
Term
Proton
(charge...)
(mass...)
Definition
Particle in the nucleus
Positive charge
1 atomic mass unit
Term
Electron
(charge...)
(mass...)
Definition
Particle orbiting nucleus
Negative charge
1/2000 atomic mass unit
Term
Isotopes
Definition
Nuclei which have the same number of protons
Term
Radioactive nucleus
Definition
Unstable nucleus which will decay spontaneously into another element
Term
Decay
Definition
When an unstable nucleus spontaneously emits a particle.
Also called disintegration.
Term
Spontaneous decay
Definition
Random disintegration
Term
Alpha particle
(charge...)
(mass...)
Definition
Emitted by unstable atom. Same as He nucleus.
Positive charge (+2)
4 atomic mass units
Term
Beta particle
(charge...)
(mass...)
Definition
Emitted by unstable atom. Fast electron.
Negative charge
1/2000 atomic mass unit
Term
Gamma ray
Definition
Emitted from nucleus with alpha or beta particles
High energy electromagnetic wave
NOT a particle
Term
Ionisation
Definition
Electrons knocked off gas atoms by nuclear radiation
Alpha the most, Gamma the least.
Term
Pentration
Definition
Nuclear radiation passing through matter
Gamma the most; Alpha the least
Term
Background radiation
Definition
Radiation in the environment from natural sources
Must be subtracted from readings during an experiment
Term
Activity
Definition
A measure of the particles emitted per second from a source. Falls with time.
Unit = bequerel
Term
Beqerel
Definition
1 decay per second
Term
Half-life
Definition
The average time for half of the atoms in a sample to decay
OR average time for the activity to fall by half
Term
Four uses of radioactivity
Definition
Sterilisation
Tracers
Radiotherapy
Dating in archaeology
Term
Three dangers of radioactivity
Definition
Radioactive waste
Cell damage
Mutations
Term
Rutherford, Geiger, Marsden experiment
Definition
Alpha particles deflected by gold atoms suggested nuclear model
Term
Nuclear fission
Definition
Uranium-235 split into daughter nuclei by neutron collision
Term
Chain reaction
Definition
Neutrons from fission reaction cause new fission
Term
Control rods
Definition
Neutron absorbers can stop fission reaction
eg boron, cadmium
Term
Moderator
Definition
Slows fast neutrons to enable fission
eg graphite, heavy water
Term
Coolant
Definition
Transfers heat energy from reactor core
eg water, carbon dioxide, liquid sodium
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