1. Define radioactivity and explain its significance in chemistry.

 **Answer**: Radioactivity refers to the spontaneous emission of

particles or electromagnetic radiation from the unstable nucleus of an

atom. It is significant in chemistry for understanding nuclear reactions,

dating archaeological finds, and medical applications like cancer

treatment.

2. Describe the three main types of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma) and

their properties.

 **Answer**: Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei and is highly

ionizing but has low penetration power. Beta radiation involves electrons

or positrons and has moderate ionizing and penetration abilities. Gamma

radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation with high penetration

power and low ionizing ability.

3. Explain how a Geiger counter works and its use in detecting radiation.

 **Answer**: A Geiger counter detects radiation by measuring the

ionization produced in a Geiger-Müller tube. It is used to detect and

measure different types of radiation intensity.

4. Discuss the concept of half-life and its application in radiometric

dating.

 **Answer**: Half-life is the time required for half of a radioactive

substance to decay. It's used in radiometric dating to determine the age of

materials based on the known half-lives of isotopes.

5. Compare and contrast nuclear fission and fusion reactions.

 **Answer**: Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into

lighter nuclei with the release of energy, while fusion is the combining of

light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy. Fission

powers nuclear reactors, while fusion is the process powering stars.

6. Describe how radioisotopes are used in medical diagnostics and

treatment.

 **Answer**: Radioisotopes are used in diagnostics as tracers to image

organs and in treatment to target and destroy cancerous cells.

7. Explain the concept of ionizing power and its relation to radiation