6.1 Radioactive Decay (Types of Radiation)

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Electromagnetic radiation made of high-energy photons.

Front

How ionising is gamma radiation?

Back

Low.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An atom with the same number of protons and electrons, but a different number of neutrons.

Front

Which type of decay is also referred to as a helium nuclei?

Back

Alpha decay.

Front

Which type of decay is a type of electromagnetic wave?

Back

Gamma decay.

Front

What is alpha radiation?

Back

A type of radiation consisting of helium nuclei (2 protons and 2 neutrons).

Front

What is beta radiation?

Back

A type of radiation that involves the emission of electrons or positrons.

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.