Chemistry Final: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma rays

How many neutrons/protons do alpha particles have?

2 protons and 2 neutrons

Which particle has the lowest energy?

Alpha particles

What size are alpha particles?

they are big so they cannot get through stuff easily (stopped by a piece of paper)

How does an element change when it goes through alpha decay?

2 less protons and 2 less neutrons

What are alpha particles used for?

used in smoke detectors and cancer treatment

What is a beta particle?

a neutron decomposes into a proton and emits a beta particles

How big are alpha particles?

they are smaller than alpha so they can travel through more things

How does an element change when a beta particle is emitted?

one more proton and one less neutron (new atom but no mass change)

How are beta particles used?

Used in radioactive dating, genetic research, and thyroid cancer treatments

Are beta particles harmful?

yes! they can get through skin and damage tissue

Gamma ray

high energy particles with no mass

Properties of a gamma ray

no change in protons or neutrons, just a change of energy in the nucleus

What are gamma rays used for?

used in cancer treatments, medical procedures, and killing bacteria

Are gamma rays harmful?

Very! they can damage organs and bones, and cause radiation sickness

Radiation

release of energy in the form of moving waves or stripes of particles