Atomic Structure
What is an atom?
An atom is a central nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons.
What is a molecule?
A molecule is two or more atoms joined by chemical bonds.
What is ionization?
Ionization is the process in which an atom gains or loses an electron, resulting in a charged ion.
What is particulate radiation?
Particulate radiation consists of fast-moving particles, such as electrons and protons, emitted from radioactive atoms.
What is x-radiation?
X-radiation is high-energy, ionizing electromagnetic radiation.
What determines an atom's identity?
The identity is determined by the composition of the nucleus and the arrangement of orbiting electrons.
How are molecules formed?
Molecules are formed by the transfer or sharing of electrons between atoms.
How does an atom become an ion?
An atom becomes an ion by gaining a negative charge (anions) or losing a positive charge (cations).
Define alpha particles,
Alpha particles are emitted from the nuclei of heavy metals and consist of two protons and two neutrons.
How do x-ray photons interact?
X-ray photons interact with materials by ionizing them or being absorbed.
What is the mass number?
The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
What are chemical bonds?
Chemical bonds are forces that hold atoms together in a molecule.
Define a neutral atom.
A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons.
What are beta particles?
Beta particles are fast-moving electrons emitted from the nucleus of radioactive atoms.
What is primary radiation?
Primary radiation is the penetrating x-ray beam produced at the target of the anode.
Define protons and neutrons.
Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus, while neutrons carry no charge.
Define ionic vs covalent bonds.
Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve sharing electrons.
What is binding energy?
Binding energy is the energy that keeps electrons in their orbits around the nucleus.
What is electromagnetic radiation?
: Electromagnetic radiation is the propagation of energy through space in the form of waves.
Define secondary radiation.
Secondary radiation is x-radiation created when the primary beam interacts with matter.
What is the K shell?
The K shell is the shell closest to the nucleus that has the highest energy level for electrons.
What is a characteristic property?
A characteristic property is a unique trait that defines a substance, such as its molecular structure.
What happens during electron transfer?
During electron transfer, an atom may gain or lose electrons, becoming an ion.
Define ionizing vs non-ionizing radiation.
Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, while non-ionizing radiation does not.
What is the photoelectric effect?
The photoelectric effect occurs when an x-ray photon collides with an inner-shell electron, ejecting it from its orbit.