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Radioactivity
The spontaneous emission of rays/particles from certain elements
Nuclear Radiation
Rays/ particles involved in radioactivity
Result of Nuclear radiation
result of the changes that occur within unstable isotopes that lead to the atom becoming more stable (no energy needed)
characteristics?
can involve protons, neutrons, electrons
large changes of energy
Often converted into atoms of a different element
Unaffected by pressure, concentration, temp, or catalysts
Alpha Particles
Occurs when radioactive substances emit a helium nucleus, 2 protons/neutrons. Low strength
Beta Particles
Occurs when a neutron falls apart, forming a proton and releasing an electron. Consists of 1 electron. Medium Strength
Gamma Rays
Occurs when a radioisotope releases a high energy photon (gamma ray) No mass/electrical charge. High strength
Positrons
Created when a proton is converted into a neutron and a positron. Positrons have the same mass as an electron, but have the opposite charge. Medium strength
