Atoms have a small central nucleus, which is made up of protons and neutrons around which are shells of electrons.
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What does the atomic number tell you?
the atomic number tells you the number of protons in the nucleus.
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What does the relative atomic mass tell you?
The relative atomic mass tells you the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
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Why was the early model of an atom called the plum pudding model?
An early model of an atom was called the plum pudding model because atoms were thought to be spheres of positive charge with negatively charged electrons stuck in them.
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Why do radioactive elements emit radiation?
The atoms of radioactive elements are unstable. The nuclei of their atoms decay to form other elements while emitting radiation.
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Name the three types of ionising radiation.
The three types of ionising radiation are: alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays.
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Why are alpha particles the least penetrating ionising radiation?
Alpha particles are the least penetrative because they are relatively large and slow moving.
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What is needed to stop gamma radiation?
Several centimeters of lead or several metres of concrete.
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Give two man made sources of background radiation.
Man made sources of background radiation: X - rays, Radioactive waste from nuclear power stations, radioactive fallout from weapons testing.
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Explain how ionising radiation is dangerous to the body.
Ionising radiation is dangerous to the body because it damages molecules in living cells. The damage increases with increased exposure to ionising radiation. With the DNA changed it may turn into a cancer cell.
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What units are radioactive doses measured in?
Radioactive doses are measured in sieverts (Sv)
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Give three uses of nuclear radiation in industry and medicine.
Three uses of nuclear radiation in industry and medicine are: sterilising food, med equipment, radioactive tracers, radiotherapy.
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Explain how the process of nuclear fission can be used to generate electricity.
Nuclear fission releases energy, which can be used to heat water and turni it into steam. The steam drives a turbine which is connected to a generator which generates electricity.
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Explain how the chain reaction is controlled in a nuclear reactor.
The chain reaction is controlled in a nuclear reactor by using control rods. If the reaction is going too fast the control rpds are lowered into the reactor and absorb the the neutrons and slow down the reaction.
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What is nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is the joining of two atomic nuclei to form a larger one. A large amount of energy is released during this process. In stars hydrogen nuclei fuse to become helium nuclei.
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What is the formula for finding half life?
Intitial count rate/total number of half lives to get to final count rate.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What does the atomic number tell you?
Back
the atomic number tells you the number of protons in the nucleus.
Card 3
Front
What does the relative atomic mass tell you?
Back
Card 4
Front
Why was the early model of an atom called the plum pudding model?
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