SP6z - Radioactivity Flashcards Preview

GCSE Physics - Spec Points > SP6z - Radioactivity > Flashcards

Flashcards in SP6z - Radioactivity Deck (11)
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1
Q

What happens to electrons as they are further away from the nucleus (on a higher energy level)?

A

The higher energy level/ orbit/ shell the higher the energy of the electron

2
Q

Where do alpha, beta, gamma and positron decay come from?

A

The decay of an unstable nucleus

3
Q

What can alpha, beta, gamma and positron decay do to normal matter?

A

Cause mutations in DNA or destroy it

4
Q

What is created when a positron meets an electron and they annihilate each other?

A

Gamma ray

5
Q

What is background radiation (where does it come from)?

A

Comes from the continuous decay of nuclei all around us (there isn’t enough of it to harm us)

6
Q

What did Rutherford conclude?

A

An atom is mostly empty space with a very small nucleus which was positively charged and where all the mass was

7
Q

Why do most radioactive sources give off alpha/beta/positron and then also gamma rays

A

They do this when the nucleus rearranges and releases some spare energy after the initial decay

8
Q

If you are asked to draw results from a graph (eg. half-life), what should you always do?

A

Draw a line of best fit

9
Q

What does radon gas emit?

A

Alpha particles

10
Q

Why are rocks radioactive?

A

Rocks like granite contain small amounts of uranium salts. Overtime, the uranium decays, releasing other radioactive nuclei

11
Q

Fruits high in what are very slightly radioactive

A

Potassium