What is radiation in general? Give examples of some types
of radiation.
All kinds of radiation are not equally dangerous. What makes different kinds more or less dangerous?
What are the different kinds of damages that radiation can cause to living tissue? What makes them different?
For each of the following decay modes define both what causes it and what happens as a result. Give an example reaction:
α alpha radiation:
β– beta radiation:
β+ positron radiation:
γ gamma radiation
electron capture:
What is a Geiger counter and how does it work?
Speaking mathematically, how does the intensity of radiation change with distance from the source?
What kind of shielding is required for each of the three major types of ionizing radiation (alpha, beta-minus, and gamma)?
How do you think researchers make new elements in the lab?
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What is meant by the half-life of a radioactive isotope? Describe how the process of decay changes with time. Also, comment on the effect of this process on the intensity of radiation from a sample.
Nuclear Reactions
The type of reaction will be indicated by the following codes: α (alpha radiation), β– (beta-minus radiation), β+ (positron radiation), γ (gamma radiation), or EC (electron capture). Complete each nuclear equation.