Radioactivity

Front

What is a gamma ray?

Back

A gamma ray is a penetrating ray of energy emitted by an unstable nucleus.

Front

What is nuclear decay?

Back

Nuclear decay is when the composition of a radioisotope changes.

Front

True or False: Prolonged exposure to radon gas can lead to lung cancer.

Back

True.

Front

What is radioactivity?

Back

Radioactivity is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits charged particles and energy.

Front

What is a radioisotope?

Back

A radioisotope is any atom that contains an unstable nucleus.

Front

What are alpha particles?

Back

Alpha particles are positively charged particles emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What are beta particles?

Back

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during radioactive decay.

Front

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

Back

Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, beta radiation consists of beta particles, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

A half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

What is a Geiger counter?

Back

A Geiger counter is an instrument used to detect and measure ionizing radiation.