Radioactivity

Front

What is Radioactivity?

Back

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This can include alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Front

What are the three main types of radiation?

Back

The three main types of radiation are alpha radiation, beta radiation, and gamma radiation.

Front

Which type of radiation releases an electron?

Back

Beta radiation.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

The half-life is the amount of time it takes for half the nuclei in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay.

Front

What particle is released during alpha radiation?

Back

A helium nucleus.

Front

What are alpha particles composed of?

Back

Alpha particles are composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus.

Front

What are beta particles?

Back

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and energy, emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What is the charge of an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle has a positive charge due to its two protons.

Front

What is the charge of a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle can be either negatively charged (electron) or positively charged (positron).