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4.2 Atoms and nuclear radiation - Coggle Diagram
4.2 Atoms and nuclear radiation
Explain why some elements are radioactive
Describe how radioactivity is measured
State sources of background radiation
Describe how background radiation can affect measurements of radioactivity
State the unit used to measure radioactive activity (Bq)
State the particle or wave responsible for alpha, beta, gamma radiation
State the symbols used to represent alpha and beta particles
Draw a table showing the ionization and penetrating properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation
Explain the differences in penetration power and range of alpha, beta and gamma radiation
Select the most suitable type of radiation for medical tracers, leak detection, thickness monitoring and sterilisation
Give reasons for the use of alpha radiation in fire alarms, beta radiation in metal thickness detectors and gamma radiation in detecting leaks
Complete and balance nuclear equations involving alpha, beta and gamma decay
Beta decay: ¹⁴₆C →
N + _
Alpha decay: ²³⁸₉₂U →
Th +
Describe what is meant by the half-life of a radioactive isotope
Sketch a graph showing radioactive decay and show how to calculate the half life
Calculate the activity of a material after a number of half lives have passed, e.g. a count rate of 500 Bq and a half life of 7 days, 28 days later.
Determine the number of half-lives that have passed from activity or count-rate data, e.g. A sample falls from 4000Bq to 125Bq in 8 days
Describe the difference between contamination and irradiation
Suggest precautions you can take to protect yourself when working with radiation
Explain why scientists use peer review