Helium nuclei. Two protons and two neutrons, but no electrons. Have a 2+ charge. When an atom decays by alpha emission its atomic mass decays by 4 and its atomic number decreases by 2.
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Beta particles
High energy electrons emitted from the nucleus of an atom when a neutron changes into a proton. They have a negative charge. Their atomic number increases by 1.
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Gamma rays
After emitting an alpha or beta particle some nuclei are left in an excited state. They're the result of rearrangement of protons and neutrons.They are very short wavelength electromagnetic waves which travel at the speed of light.They have no charge
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Background activity
Radiation present when no sources are near
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Half Life
The time for half of the atoms in a given radioactive sample to decay
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
High energy electrons emitted from the nucleus of an atom when a neutron changes into a proton. They have a negative charge. Their atomic number increases by 1.
Back
Beta particles
Card 3
Front
After emitting an alpha or beta particle some nuclei are left in an excited state. They're the result of rearrangement of protons and neutrons.They are very short wavelength electromagnetic waves which travel at the speed of light.They have no charge
Back
Card 4
Front
Radiation present when no sources are near
Back
Card 5
Front
The time for half of the atoms in a given radioactive sample to decay
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