Answer to Question #160163 in Atomic and Nuclear Physics for Eva

Question

Explain the meaning of:
(i) radioactive isotope
(ii) half-life
(iii) alpha-particles beta particles and gamma rays

Answer 1

(i) An isotope is one of two or more atoms that have the same number of protons in their nuclei but different numbers of neutrons. The radioactive isotope has an unstable atomic nucleus and emit energy and particles when it changes to a more stable form.

(ii) The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time that it takes for a radioactive isotope to decay to half its original amount.

(iii) Alpha-particles is a helium nucleus of two protons and two neutrons.

The beta-particles is a fast moving electrons.

The gamma rays is a very high frequency electromagnetic radiation (photons).