Nuclear Gauge testing Questions With 100% Correct!!

How do nuclear gauges work? Why does so much care need to be taken when using them? - AnswerNuclear gauges use the interaction of radiation with matter to measure the density and moisture of material. Radiation sources within each gauge transmit radiation through the test material. Detectors contained in the gauge measure the radiation that is scattered by the test material or that passes through it. By calculating the percentage of radiation that reaches the detectors, the gauge can determine the density or moisture content of test material. Introduction to Nuclear Gauge Sources - Answer--radioactive source within the gauge is what makes the gauge work -source rod extends through the base of the gauge into a predrilled hole up to 12 in. -Gamma rays are transmitted from the density source->through the test material->counted by detectors located within the gauge. Average density between the source and detectors is determined. -radioactive source itself is smaller than even a penny -Americium, Californium, and Cobalt allow us to measure density and moisture using a nuclear gauge. Elements - Answer--The smallest particles of matter are called atoms. All substances are made up of a limited number of different kinds of atoms -The radioactive sources in nuclear gauges are made up of elements too. These elements include: Cesium, Americium, Californium, and Cobalt. nucleus - Answer-contsists of both neutrons and protons. The bulk of the atomic mass is within the nucleus Electrons - Answer-negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. the Neg charge of the electrons balances the positive charge of the protons but add very little mass to the atom. Neutron - Answer-neutral partlces that cluster with protons in nucleus. Provide mass and act as a "nuclear glue". Proton - Answer-positively charged partilces that cluster with neutrons to make up the nucleus.Isotope - Answer--Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons -The radioactive sources in nuclear gauges are made up of elements too. These elements include: Cesium, Americium, Californium, and Cobalt. -Atomic # doesn't change -Atomic mass changes -An isotope is identified by writing the chemical symbol with a subscript to the left giving the atomic number and a superscript giving the atomic mass number. -Some isotopes are stable, like Carbon 12. Other isotopes are unstable or radioactive, like Carbon 14. -For an isotope to be stable, the neutron/proton ratio must lie within a relatively narrow range. For example, Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons and 6 protons in the nucleus , making it a stable isotope. -As the number of neutrons increases relative to the number of protons, an isotope is more likely to be unstable or radioactive. Carbon 14, which has 8 neutrons and 6 protons in the nucleus, is unstable because the ratio of neutrons to protons is too high. This form of Carbon has a familiar use: Carbon -14 dating of old organic materials. Radioactivity - Answer--the property of certain isotopes to undergo spontaneous decay which transforms the nucleus to achieve stability. - When an atom decays the nucleus undergoes changes which alter the ratio of neutrons and protons and result in the emission of radiation Radiation - Answer-emitted during the decay of radioactive material in the form of subatomic particles and/or electromagnetic radiation. Particle radiation - Answer-consists of high speed subatomic particles which have mass and energy. Apha, beta, and neutron are types of particle radiation.