atomic physics

what is an alpha particle

* 2 neutrons
* 2 protons
* same as helium nucleus

what is a beta particle

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

what is a gamma ray

* electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus

alpha charge

\+2

beta charge

\-1

gamma charge

0

alpha ionising ability

high

beta ionising ability

medium

gamma ionising ability

none

alpha range

cm

beta range

m

gamma range

infinite

alpha penetrating ability

low

beta penetrating ability

medium

gamma penetrating ability

high

what is radiation measured in

sieverts

sieverts symbols

Sv

alpha symbol

4\.2 α or 4.2 He

beta symbol

0\.-1 β or 0.-1 e

gamma symbol

γ

what is activity

the rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decay

what is activity measured in

becquerel

symbol for becquerel

Bq

what is half life

the time it takes for the number of particle/nuclei/count rate to halve

radioactive contamination

unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials

irradiation

the process of exposing an object to nuclear radiation