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Summary Radioactivity, General Chemistry I notes
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Quick, summary of radioactivity definitions or concepts. Easy to read and understand. Can be used for quick revision.
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University of the WitwatersrandCourse: Chemistry1012 (Chemistry I)
Radioactivity revision notes
Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon in which unstable atomic nuclei release radiation in the form
of particles and waves. The three types of radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
Alpha particles have a large mass and a positive charge, and are represented by the symbol α. They are
easily stopped by a few centimetres of air or a piece of paper.
Beta particles have a smaller mass and a negative charge, and are represented by the symbol β. They
can penetrate a few millimetres of material and can be stopped by a few centimetres of Aluminium.
Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that are represented by the symbol γ. They have
no mass and no charge, and can penetrate several centimetres of material, including lead.
Positron emission: the decay of a proton into a neutron and a position
Positron: same mass as electron but positively charged.
Electron capture: the capture of an inner-orbital electron from the surrounding electron cloud by a
proton in the nucleus which produces a neutron
The rate of decay of a radioactive substance is measured in terms of half-life, which is the time it takes
for half of the atoms to decay. The remaining half will decay during the next half-life interval, and so on.
Radioactive decay can be used to determine the age of rocks, fossils, and other materials through a
process known as radiometric dating. This method relies on the fact that the decay rate of a radioactive
substance is constant over time.
Radioisotopes, or isotopes of an element that are radioactive, are used in a variety of applications,
including medical imaging, cancer treatment, and energy production. However, exposure to high levels
of radiation can be harmful to human health and can cause mutations, cancer, and other health effects.
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