Flashcards
Nuclear radaitions
Cards in this deck (34)
- 1Atoms contain the same number of what?Atoms contain the same number of protons and electrons.
- 2What does this mean they are?This means they are neutral.
- 3What does ionisation involve?Ionisation involves gaining or losing electrons.
- 4What happens when the atom gains electrons?When the atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged.
- 5What happens when the atom loses electrons?When the atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged.
- 6What can the formation of ions cause?The formation of ions can cause chemical reactions.
- 7Such reactions may disrupt the normal behaviour of molecules inside the body. Give two examples of how.Such reactions may disrupt the normal behaviour of molecules inside the body e.g. they may cause strands of DNA to break or change; protein molecules may change their shape and these effects are potentially harmful.
- 8Name the three types of radiation.Alpha, beta and gamma.
- 9Where do these radiations come from?Alpha, beta and gamma radiations come from the nucleus of an atom.
- 10Which radiation causes most ionisation?Alpha radiation causes most ionisation.
- 11Which radiation causes least ionisation?Gamma radiation causes least ionisation.
- 12Is alpha radiation short ranged or long ranged?Alpha radiation is short ranged (a few centimetres).
- 13What is alpha radiation easily absorbed by?Alpha radiation is easily absorbed by a sheet of paper or card.
- 14Give the range of beta radiation.Beta radiation has a range of 1 metre.
- 15What can beta radiation be absorbed by?Beta radiation can be absorbed by a few millimetres of aluminium.
- 16Give the properties of gamma radiation.Gamma radiation is much more penetrating and, although a few centimetres of lead will stop most of the radiation, some can pass through several metres of lead or concrete.
- 17What can be done to identify each type of radiation from its penetrating power?Experiments can be done to identify each type of radiation from its penetrating power.
- 18What should always be taken into account when carrying out these experiments?When carrying out these experiments background radiation should always be taken into account.
- 19Which type of radiation do smoke alarms contain?Smoke alarms contain a source of alpha radiation.
- 20How does this radiation cause the alarm to sound?The radiation ionises the oxygen and nitrogen atoms in air which causes a very small electric current that is detected. When the smoke fills the detectore in the alarm during a fire, the air is not so ionised, the current is less and the alarm sounds.
- 21How can thicknesses in a paper rolling mill be controlled using a source of beta radiation and a detector?Thicknesses in a paper rolling mill can be controlled using a source of beta radiation and a detector:
- the amount of radiation passing through the sheet is monitored and the pressure on the rollers adjusted accordingly. - 22How can gamma radiation be used for sterilising medical instruments?Gamma radiation kills microbes and bacteria so it can be used for sterilising medical instruments.
- 23What else can gamma radiation be used for?It can also be used to check for leaks in pipes and welds.
- 24Using which two types of radiation can the passage of blood and other substances be traced around the body?The passage of blood and other substances can be traced around the body using a beta or gamma source.
- 25What is a waste product from nuclear reactors?Plutonium is a waste product from the nuclear reactors.
- 26What can plutonium be used to make?It can be used to make nuclear bombs.
- 27How can some low level radioactive waster be disposed of safely?Some low level radioactive waste can be buried in landfill sites.
- 28How can high level waste be disposed of safely?High level waste is encased in glass and buried deep underground or reprocessed.
- 29How long can radioactive waste remain radioactive for?Radioactive waste can remain radioactive for thousands of years.
- 30Where must it be stored?It must be stored where it cannot leak into natural underground water supplies and hence into lakes and rivers.
- 31What is it not suitable for making?It is not suitable for making nuclear bombs.
- 32But what could it be used for?But it could be used by terrorists to contaminate water supplies or areas of land.
- 33Give two advantages of using nuclear power stations.There are advantages of using nuclear power stations: fossil fuels reserves are not used and no greenhouse gases are discharged into the atmosphere.
- 34What are the two disadvantages of nuclear power stations.The disadvantages are its very high maintenance and decommissioning costs, and the risk of accidents similar to the one at Chernobyl.
Information
- Description
- GCSE Science Year 10 Flashcards on Nuclear radaitions, created by annjb2898 on 27/05/2014.
- Created by
- annjb2898
- Views
- 31
- Tags
- Rating