Radioactive decay happens when an unstable nucleus changes into the nucleus of a more stable (different) element. We know that elements are defined by the number of protons in their nucleus so the only way for an atom to change into something else is by either increasing or decreasing the number of protons that it … Continue reading Alpha and Beta Nuclear Decay
Radioactivity Summary
The test may be done but the learning doesn't stop! I've found a great summary of the basics that you need to know about radioactivity, courtesy of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The crucial page is at https://www2.lbl.gov/abc/Basic.html but you may like to take a look at the entire ABC's of Nuclear Science section. For … Continue reading Radioactivity Summary
Irradiation and Contamination
There are two ways in which radioactive materials can affect the surrounding environment; irradiation and contamination. Understanding the differences between these two effects is important in terms of the precautions that must be taken when handling radioactive sources and also when storing radioactive waste. Irradiation refers to the transfer of energy (via ionising radiation) without … Continue reading Irradiation and Contamination
Rutherford’s Gold Foil Experiment
Ernest Rutherford is credited with proving that atoms have a small, dense and positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons. To be exact, it was Ernest Marsden who carried out the very first version of the famous gold foil experiment while working under the direction of Rutherford and Hans Geiger. Rutherford was not even … Continue reading Rutherford’s Gold Foil Experiment
Balancing Nuclear Equations
An easy way to pick up marks in the GCSE Physics exam is by balancing nuclear equations. To do this, you need to apply the law of the conservation of mass, which says the total mass before a nuclear change takes place is equal to the total mass after the change has occurred. This is … Continue reading Balancing Nuclear Equations
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