1.4 - Alpha, Beta and Gamma

What happens when unstable atoms decay?

alpha, beta or gamma radiation is released and beta radiation is lost, making the atom become more stable

What happens when the atom produced from radioactive decay is still unstable

it produces a decay chain

What is the symbol for alpha?

α

What is the symbol for beta?

β

What is the symbol for gamma?

γ

What is alpha decay?

Two protons and two neutrons are emitted from the radioactive nucleus as an alpha particle

What is the charge of alpha decay?

+2

What is the mass of alpha decay?

4

How ionising are alpha particles?

the most ionising out of alpha, beta and gamma

How penetrating are alpha particles?

the least penetrating out of alpha, beta and gamma

How far can alpha particles travel in the air?

Can travel a few cm in air

What is beta decay?

In the radioactive nucleus, a neutron changes into a proton and an electron, which is emitted at high speed

What is the mass of beta decay?

1/2000 the mass of a proton. Very small.

What is the charge of beta decay?

-1

How ionising are beta particles?

Beta is more penetrating than alpha but less penetrating than gamma

How penetrating are beta particles?

Beta is more ionising than gamma but less ionising than alpha

How far can beta particles travel in the air?

Can travel a few meters in air

What is gamma decay?

An unstable nucleus with excess energy emits this energy as electromagnetic radiation

What is the mass of gamma decay?

0

What is the charge of gamma decay?

0

How ionising are gamma particles?

Least ionising out of alpha, beta and gamma

How penetrating are gamma particles?

Most penetrating out of alpha, beta and gamma

How far can gamma particles travel in the air?

Can travel effectively an infinite distance in air because it is not easily absorbed

What is penetrating power?

the ability of radiation to pass through matter

What is ionising power?

the ability of radiation to remove electrons from atom

What can alpha particles pass through?

a piece of paper

What can beta particles pass through?

a piece of paper and aluminium

What can gamma particles pass through?

a piece of paper, aluminium and a thick block of lead

What does alpha and beta decay result in?

A new, more stable nucleus is created

What does gamma decay often follow?

alpha and beta decay