Types Of Radiation

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

Isotopes

Same element (atomic number the same) different numbers of neutrons (different mass number)

mass → 14 name

C <- Symbol Or Carbon-14 <- mass

atomic → 6

number

Alpha Radiation ( $\alpha$ )

• An alpha particle is released from the nucleus

• An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

• Sometimes called a ‘Helium nucleus

• Has a mass of 4 which is heavy

• very slow moving

• can be blocked by paper or skin

-4

→

235 231 4 +

U → Th + He

92 90 2

→

-2

• Atomic number decreases by 2

• Mass number decreases by 4

• New element formed. Find the element on the P.T using the new atomic number

226 222

Ra → Rn

88 86

Beta (B) Particles

• Fast moving electron that is released from The nucleus

• Inside the nucleus a neutron changes to a proton + a beta particle

• Mass number stays the same - as neutron and proton same mass

• atomic number increases by 1 - as there is 1 more proton.

same

→

14 14

C → N

6 7

→

+1

• New element created (find on the PT.)

Gamma Radiation ($\gamma$ )

• Type of electromagnetic radiation

• energy only

• no charge in mass or atomic number