Nuclear Radiation

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