alpha, beta and gamma radiation

what is ionising power?

the power to turn another atom charged.

what is penetration power?

the power to pass through different materials

what is an alpha particle?

• two protons and two neutrons (the same as a helium nucleus)

what is the mass and charge of an alpha particle?

mass: 4

charge: +2

what happens during alpha decay?

nucleus emits the alpha particle

what is the penetrating power of an alpha particle?

weak - can only travel a few cm in air, and is stopped by skin and paper.

what is a beta particle?

a high speed electron ejected from the nucleus as a neutron turns into a proton.

what is the mass and charge of a beta particle?

mass: 1/2000 of a proton

charge: -1

what happens during beta decay?

a neutron in the atom’s nucleus splits into a proton and an electron - the electron is ejected from the nucleus (beta particle)

what is the penetrating power of beta?

a few m in air, can penetrate paper but is stopped by a sheet of aluminium

what is a gamma ray?

an electromagnetic wave of energy

what is the mass and charge of a gamma ray?

mass: 0

charge: 0

what happens during gamma decay?

the gamma waves are emitted from the nucleus

what is the penetrating power of gamma?

high - can travel infinitely in air and through paper, an aluminium sheet, but only stopped by lead.

what is the ionising power of alpha, beta and gamma?

alpha - high

beta - medium

gamma - low

what is the penetration power of alpha, beta and gamma?

gamma - highest

beta - medium

alpha - lowest