TYPES OF IONIZING RADIATION

Ionizing radiation

refers to high-energy radiation that can eject tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions.

Types of Ionizing Radiation

1. Alpha Particles (α)

2. Beta Particles (β)

3. Gamma Rays (γ)

4. X-Rays (X)

5. Neutrons (n)

Alpha Particles (α)

• Consist of two protons and two neutrons.

• Relatively large and heavy.

Alpha Particles (α)

• High ionization potential but low penetration.

• Stopped by paper, clothing, or even human skin.

Alpha Particles (α) (cont’d...)

The nucleus emits an alpha particle (Helium nuclei), which is made up of two protons and two neutrons.

Alpha Particles (α) (cont’d...)

• This results in the atom becoming a different element with two fewer protons and two fewer neutrons.

Beta Particle

High-energy, high-speed electrons (β-) or positrons (β+).

Neutrinos

are extremely lightweight, electrically neutral particles

- are typically produced in various natural processes, such as nuclear reactions in the sun and supernovae, as well as in man-made processes, including nuclear reactors and particle accelerators.

- interact very weakly with matter, making them challenging to detect. They can pass through vast amounts of material without being absorbed or deflected.

Antineutrino

-are the antimatter counterparts of neutrinos.

• Just like neutrinos, antineutrinos are electrically neutral and very lightweight.

Antineutrino

•  are produced in various particle interactions, including certain types of nuclear decay processes, such as beta decay.

• Like neutrinos, antineutrinos interact very weakly with matter, making their detection challenging.

Gamma Rays (γ)

• Electromagnetic radiation (high-energy photons).

• High penetration ability.

• Requires dense materials (e.g., lead or several centimeters of concrete) to stop.

X-Rays (X)

• Electromagnetic radiation similar to gamma rays but usually of lower energy.

• Used extensively in medical imaging and industry.

• Requires lead or dense materials for shielding

Neutrons (n)

• Particles found in the nucleus of atoms.

• Can cause neutron activation of materials.

• They collide with atoms and make those atoms unstable or even break them apart.

• Used in generating powers in nuclear reactors.