Understanding Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions

Revision sheet excerpt

Unit 18: Radioactivity - Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

  • Atom: smallest unit matter; consists of nucleus and electrons. -’s experiment: α-particles mostly pass; some deflected, revealing nucleus.
  • Nucleus: dense, positively charged core containing protons and neutrons.
  • Proton number (Z): defines the element; unique for each element.
  • Isotopes: same Z, different A (mass number); e.g., hydrogen isotopes.
  • Radioactive decay: spontaneous emission of α, β, or γ radiation.
  • Half-life (T₁/₂): time for half the radioactive sample to decay.
  • Types of radiation:
    • α: helium nucleus, high ionization, short range.
    • β: electrons, moderate ionization, longer range.
    • γ: electromagnetic waves, low ionization, high penetration.
  • Nuclear fission: splitting of heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei + energy.
  • Nuclear fusion: combining light nuclei to form heavier nuclei + energy.
  • Hazards: burns, mutations, leukemia; require safety precautions.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

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Quiz preview

1. In nuclear fission, what is typically released along with the lighter nuclei when a heavy nucleus splits?

2. What was the significance of Rutherford's experiment with α-particles?

3. What does Rutherford's experiment primarily demonstrate about the structure of an atom?

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Flashcards preview

Radioactive decay — types?

α, β, γ radiations

Atom — smallest matter unit?

Contains nucleus and electrons.

Atom — smallest matter unit?

Nucleus and electrons

Goldstein’s experiment — key finding?

Nucleus is dense, positively charged.

Rutherford experiment — reveal?

Nucleus with positive charge

Proton number (Z) — role?

Defines the element.

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