Radiation

Activity measured in bq

Results:

• Most particles travelled straight through the foil

• Some were deflected slightly

• Very few were deflected straight back/ significantly.

Conclusion:

• The atom is mostly empty space

• A small mass in centre of the storm

• The mass must be positive due to the repulsion force causing deflection.

Isotopes:

• Same number of proton, but different numbers of neutrons

• Charge doesn’t change

• Mass does change

Ions:

• Charge does change

• Mass doesn’t charge

• Same number of protons but different number of electrons.

Alpha particles:

• When alpha particles is emitted from the nucleus

• Strongly ionizing

• Doesn’t travel far

• Stopped by paper

• Used in smoke detectors

Beta particles:

• A fast moving electron released by nucleus

• Moderately ionizing

• Travels further in the air

• Stopped by aluminum

• Used in material thickness testing

Gamma particles:

• An electromagnetic wave is released by a nucleus

• Weakly ionizing

• Travels far in air

• Stopped by lead

• Used in sterilizing medical equipment.

Irradiation:

• Exposure to radiation

• Can be reduced by keeping source in lead lined in boxes

• Mostly from gamma or beta as they are able to penetrate skin

Contamination:

• Prevented wearing correct PPE such as gloves or special suits

• Radioactive particles getting into objects

• Alpha radiation = big risks. They damage in localized area.