Nuclear Radiation and Radioactive Decay

Vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics, properties, ionizing capabilities, and penetration depths of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutron emissions.

Isotopes

Forms of an element that possess the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Radioactive Decay

The process by which unstable isotopes emit radiation to alter their structure slightly and become more stable.

Radioactive Material

A substance consisting of unstable isotopes capable of undergoing decay.

Alpha Particles

Radiation particles composed of two protons and two neutrons with an overall charge of $2+$ and no electrons, equivalent to the nucleus of a helium atom.

Ionizing Power

The capacity of radiation to knock electrons off atoms upon collision.

Alpha Particle Penetration

A short penetration range of only a few centimeters in air, which can be absorbed by a single sheet of paper.

Beta Particles

High-speed electrons released when a neutron decays into a proton and an electron, having virtually no mass and a charge of $-1$.

Beta Particle Penetration

A moderate penetration capability that allows travel across several meters of air and requires about $5\,\text{mm}$ of aluminum to stop.

Gamma Rays

Electromagnetic radiation waves lacking mass and charge that are typically emitted after alpha or beta radiation to release excess nuclear energy.

Gamma Ray Penetration

A highly penetrating radiation that travels long distances through air and requires thick sheets of lead or multiple meters of concrete to be stopped.

Neutron Emission

A radioactive decay process where an unstable nucleus containing an excess of neutrons ejects a neutron to increase stability.