Physics - Types of radiation

How many neutrons, protons and electrons?

Neutrons - 4

Protons - 3

Electrons - 7

Definition of an isotope

Atoms of the same element which have the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons.

What happens in ionisation? (3)

• Where some particle and waves have enough energy to rip electrons away from atoms and molecules

• Forms ions - can damage DNA/cells

• Can lead to the formation of cancer

Ionising radiation (5)

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

X-rays

Ultraviolet

Non-ionising radiation (4)

Visible light

Infrared

Microwave

Radio waves

How do atoms try to become stable?

Emitting alpha, beta or gamma radiation

2 words to describe radioactive decay

Random

Spontaneous

What is the use of Geiger Counter?

Used to measure the ionising radiation

To gain greater accuracy in the Geigner counter, what must we do? (2)

1. Repeat the experiment and calculate the average

2. Carry out the experiment over a longer period of time

Where does alpha radiation occur?

occurs when a nucleus decays by emitting a helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutron

Where does beta radiation occur?

where a neutron, in an unstable atom, changes to a proton and emits a high-energy electron.

Where does gamma radiation occur?

occurs where a nucleus releases some energy in the form of an electromagnetic wave

What is the penetration power of Alpha?

Low, it can be absorbed by paper

Uses of alpha? (1)

Smoke detectors

What type of radiation is the most harmful inside the body?

Alpha

When producing or balancing a nuclear equation, there are two important rules:

1. The total nucleon number must be the same before and after the reaction.

2. The total proton number must be the same before and after the reaction.

What is the penetration power of Beta?

Medium, it can be absorbed by aluminium

Uses of Beta? (1)

To monitor the thickness of materials

What is the penetration power of Gamma?

High, can be absorbed by thick lead

Uses of gamma? (3)

X-rays, sterilising medical equipment and treating cancer

Natural sources of background radiation (5)

Radon gas

Rocks

Food

Materials used in buildings

Cosmic Rays

Artificial sources of background radiation (2)

Medical, x-rays

Nuclear power and testing

How can we store waste materials from power plants?

Storing them underground

Stored in drums, and sealed with concrete

→ ensure no radiation can penetrate and affect living cells