Types Of Radiation

What is radiation?

Radiation occurs when an unstable atom releases energy or particles to allow the atom to become more stable.

What are isotopes?

Atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

What is the composition of an alpha particle?

An alpha particle consists of $2$ protons and $2$ neutrons, making it identical to a helium nucleus.

What are the main characteristics of alpha radiation?

Alpha radiation has a heavy mass of $4$, is very slow-moving, and can be blocked by paper or skin.

How does alpha decay change a nucleus?

In alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by $2$ and the mass number decreases by $4$, forming a new element.

What is a beta particle and how is it produced?

A beta particle is a fast-moving electron released from the nucleus when a neutron changes into a proton.

How does beta decay affect atomic number and mass number?

The atomic number increases by $1$ because a new proton is formed, while the mass number stays the same.

What is gamma radiation?

Gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that consists of energy only.

How does gamma radiation affect the mass and atomic number of an atom?

Gamma radiation causes no change in either mass number or atomic number.