Atomic Basics and Decay
This the part of the atom where nuclear chemistry occurs.
This type of radiation releases a helium nucleus (2 protons + 2 neutrons)
Alpha decay
This is the time it takes for half of a sample to decay.
Half-life
This process splits a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei
Nuclear fission
These are used in medicine to track substance in the body
Radiotracers
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons are called these.
Isotopes
This type of radiation increases the atomic number by 1
After one half-life, this percent of a sample remains.
50%
This process combines small nuclei into a large one and power the Sun
nuclear fusion
This imaging technique uses radiotracers to detect disease like cancer
PET scans
Radioisotope
This type of radiation releases energy but does not change the atom.
Gamma decay
After three half-lives, this percent of a sample remains.
12.5%
This occurs when one fission event causes more fission events.
Chain reaction
This treatment uses radiation to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy
This process occurs when an unstable nucleus changes into a more stable one and releases radiation.
Radioactive decay
This type of radiation is most dangerous outside the body because it can penetrate deeply.
Gamma decay
Isotopes with long half-lives are more common because they do this.
Decay slowly
These are used in reactors to absorb neutrons and control the reaction
Control rods
This device detects radiation by counting ionization events
The stability of a nucleus depends on this relationship between two particles.
Neutron/Proto ratio
This type of radiation is most dangerous when inhaled or ingested due to its high ionizing power.
These isotopes form from cosmic rays hitting atoms in the atmosphere.
This is what causes particles to reach high speeds to start nuclear fission in a nuclear power plant.
These workers were exposed to radium and developed bone cancer due to ingestion of radioactive material.
Radium Girls