Half-Life

Front

What is Half-life?

Back

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

Front

Which type of radioactive decay is the most harmful?

Back

Gamma decay.

Front

If Barium-122 has a half-life of 2 minutes, how much will be left after 10 minutes if starting with 80 g?

Back

2.5 g.

Front

Alpha decay results in a particle that has the mass of a ___________ nucleus.

Back

Helium.

Front

What is the half-life of iodine-131?

Back

8 days.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Alpha decay emits helium nuclei, beta decay emits electrons or positrons, and gamma decay emits high-energy photons.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

An isotope that is unstable and can decay, emitting radiation.

Front

How is half-life used in medicine?

Back

It helps determine the dosage and timing for radioactive treatments.

Front

What happens to the mass of a radioactive sample over time?

Back

It decreases as the isotopes decay.