P4 - What is radioactivity? - Mindmap in GCSE Physics

Created by: Naomi
Created on: 21-01-13 18:48

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What is radioactivity?
- Radioactive decay
  - Radioactive substances decay naturally, giving out alpha, beta and gamma radiation
  - Nuclear radiation causes ionisation, by removing electrons from atoms or causing them to gain electrons
  - Radioactive decay is a random process, it isn't possible to predict when a nucleus will decay
  - The half-life of a radioisotope is the average time of half the nuclei present to decay. The half life cannot be changed
- Alpha particles
  - Properties
    - Positivey charged
    - Has a large mass
    - Is a helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons)
    - Has helium gas around it
  - During decay
    - Mass number decreases by four
      - Loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons
        Atomic number decreases by two
    - Atomic number decreases by two
- When an alpha or beta particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom, the remaining nucleus is a different element
- Beta Particles
  - Properites
    - Negatively charged
    - Has a very small mass
    - Travels very fast
    - Is an electron
  - During decay
    - Mass number is unchanged
    - Atomic number increases by one
      - A neutron changes to a proton and an electron
        Mass number is unchanged

Comments

Report Thu 13th February, 2014 @ 10:20

This is a wonderful mindmap to link different parts of radioactivity and help you link them. You can also print it out and highlight the keywords for yourself. Good for all exam boards.