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7 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is radioactive decay?
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A process where the atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast-moving particles and energy.
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What did Marie Curie call radioactivity?
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The energy that spontaneously emits radiation by an unstable atomic nucleus.
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What are the three major forms of radiation in order of least penetrating to most?
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Alpha, beta and gamma.
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What is lost in an alpha particle?
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Two protons and two neutrons; decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
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What is lost and gained in a beta particle?
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One less neutron and one more proton. The mass number remains the same but its atomic number increases by 1.
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Explain gamma radiation.
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Alpha and beta decay are almost always accompanied by gamma radiation. Gamma radiation consists of high energy waves; x-rays. No charge, no change in atomic mass or number.
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What can block alpha particles? Beta? Gamma rays?
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Paper can block alpha, sheet of aluminum can blow beta, and a large block of concrete can block gamma rays.
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