Study resource
Atoms and nuclear radiation key terms
Study Atoms and nuclear radiation with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
At a glance
key terms
Resource type
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Key terms
radioactive decay
The process in which an unstable nucleus emits radiation.
unstable nucleus
A nucleus that is not in a stable state and can emit radiation as it transforms to a more stable configuration.
radioactive decay
The process in which an unstable nucleus emits radiation.
random process
A process where the outcome cannot be predicted, such as the timing of radioactive decay.
radioactive decay
The process in which an unstable nucleus emits radiation, resulting in a change in the nucleus of an atom.
nucleus change
The alteration of an atomic nucleus due to the emission of radiation during radioactive decay.
alpha radiation
A type of nuclear radiation consisting of a helium nucleus, which contains two protons and two neutrons.
helium nucleus
The nucleus of a helium atom, made up of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during alpha radiation.
beta radiation
A type of radiation consisting of high-speed electrons emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.
nucleus
The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons, where nuclear reactions such as beta decay occur.
gamma radiation
Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay.
nucleus
The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
neutron radiation
Neutron radiation consists of neutrons emitted from unstable nuclei during certain nuclear processes.
unstable nucleus
An unstable nucleus is one that can undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the process.
alpha radiation
A type of nuclear radiation consisting of helium nuclei, which contain two protons and two neutrons.
gamma radiation
Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom, characterized by high penetration power and low ionizing ability.
alpha radiation
A type of nuclear radiation consisting of helium nuclei, which contains two protons and two neutrons, and is strongly ionising.
gamma radiation
A form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus, which is weakly ionising but highly penetrating.
alpha radiation
A type of nuclear radiation consisting of helium nuclei, which contain two protons and two neutrons.
gamma radiation
A form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus, characterized by high penetration power and low ionising ability.
alpha radiation
A type of nuclear radiation consisting of helium nuclei, which are strongly ionising but have low penetration ability.
ionising power
The ability of radiation to ionise atoms, with alpha radiation being highly ionising due to its charge and mass.
gamma radiation
Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus, characterized by weak ionising power and high penetration ability.
ionising power
The ability of radiation to remove electrons from atoms, leading to the formation of ions.
count rate
The number of counts detected each second or each minute from a radioactive source.
radioactive decay
The process in which an unstable nucleus emits radiation.
activity
The rate at which a sample of radioactive material decays, measured in becquerels (Bq).
becquerel
The unit of measurement for activity, defined as one decay per second.
Geiger-Muller tube
A device used to detect and measure ionizing radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
Ionizing radiation
Radiation that carries enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionizing them.
Related topics