Atomic Structure and Radioactive Decay

Study Flashcards Play Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the relative charge of a proton?

Where is most of the mass of an atom concentrated?

In the nucleus

What subatomic particle has a relative mass closest to zero?

Electron

Isotopes of an element have the same number of what particles?

Protons Signup and view all the answers

Which subatomic particle lies at different distances from the nucleus?

Electron Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the fixed paths in which electrons exist around the nucleus?

Orbitals Signup and view all the answers

Which subatomic particle subdivided the positive charge of the nucleus and has the same amount of charge as a proton?

Neutron Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the rate at which a source of unstable nuclei undergoes radioactive decay?

Activity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay involves the emission of a helium nucleus?

Alpha α Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit used to measure the rate of radioactive decay?

Becquerel (Bq) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation is weakly penetrating and highly ionizing?

Alpha α Signup and view all the answers

Who discovered the electron?

Thomson Signup and view all the answers

According to the Gold Foil Experiment, what did Rutherford realize about atoms?

Atoms have a positive nucleus in the center. Signup and view all the answers

What did Rutherford conclude from observing that most 𝛼 particles went straight through the gold foil?

Atoms are mostly empty space. Signup and view all the answers

Which model of the atom suggested that electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels?

Bohr Model Signup and view all the answers

What does the Plum Pudding Model suggest about the distribution of charges in an atom?

Positive charges are dispersed with negative charges throughout the atom. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bohr propose a model where electrons orbit the nucleus instead of collapsing into it?

To align with Rutherford's observations. Signup and view all the answers

What type of nuclear radiation is low ionising and highly penetrating?

Gamma radiation Signup and view all the answers

In alpha decay, what happens to the mass and charge of the nucleus?

Both mass and charge decrease Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay does not cause the mass or charge of the nucleus to change?

Gamma decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of an isotope defined as?

Time taken for half the nuclei in a sample to decay Signup and view all the answers

What does beta decay cause in terms of the mass and charge of the nucleus?

Mass decreases while charge increases Signup and view all the answers

If 80 atoms fall to 20 over 10 minutes, what is the half-life?

10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between contamination and irradiation?

Contamination makes an object radioactive, while irradiation does not make the object radioactive. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best describes radioactive contamination?

Transfer of a radiation source to an object resulting in unwanted radioactive atoms on the object. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during irradiation?

The source emits radiation that reaches an object without making it radioactive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hazard associated with radioactive contamination?

The decaying of contaminated atoms releasing radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines irradiation?

Exposure of objects to nuclear radiation without making them radioactive. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to differentiate between contamination and irradiation?

To properly handle and manage hazardous radioactive substances. Signup and view all the answers

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.