Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Flashcards
why does the nucleus of an unstable isotope emit radiations?
to transform to a more stable nucleus.
is the new stable nucleus the same element? explain your answer.
No, because the atomic number changes.
what is the process of emitting radiation called?
radioactive decay.
what is the process of radioactive decay described as?
spontaneous and random.
why is it described as spontaneous and random?
- Spontaneous: it is normal and does not need any external help.
- Random: you can’t predict which unstable atom will decay first or decay next, also its rate is not constant.
what are the 3 types of radiations?
Alpha particles, Beta particles, Gamma rays.
Alpha particles
atomic number=2, mass number=4. nucleus of helium-4.
Beta particles
high speed electron emitted from the nucleus.
changes the atomic number by (-1).
Gamma rays
high energy (short wavelength) electromagnetic radiation.
consists of?
Alpha: 2 protons +2 neutrons
Beta: An electron
Gamma: electromagnetic radiation
Ionization Power of each. and why?
Alpha: Very strong. alpha particles are heavy af.
Beta: weak. beta particles are light af.
Gamma: weak af almost 0. gamma rays got strong af penetration power.
penetration power of each.
Alpha: very weak
Beta: Moderate
Gamma: VERY high
how do we stop each radiation?
Alpha: stopped by paper.
Beta: stopped by a few mm of aluminum
Gamma: Thick lead, concrete, and steel.
range in air?
Alpha: about 6cm
Beta: about 100cm
Gamma: longer than 100m
charge of each radiation?
Alpha: (+2)
Beta: (-1)
Gama: (no charge)
mass of each radiation?
Alpha: 4 times the proton mass
Beta: (1/1840) The proton mass
Gama: (0)
ionization power
when radiations like alpha, beta, or gamma cause a molecule or atom to lose electrons.
why do alpha particles have high ionization power?
- Heavy af
- slow af
3: big charge (+2)
Nuclear Equation rule.
The sum of atomic numbers and mass numbers must be equal on both sides.
Detectors
devices used to detect radiation.
what are the 3 most used detectors?
- Photograghic plate.
- cload camper.
- Geiger-Muller Detector (G-M detector)
Background Radiation
The natural radiation that exists with no radioactive source present.
what are 3 causes of background radiations?
- Rocks and Earth.
- Gases in air.
- The Sun
How to get the pure reading of the radiation?
- Get the reading of background radiation first.
- Then get the reading of the source (with the background radiation)
- Pure reading=source reading-background reading.
Radiation Unit
count/min or Becquerel
Deflection with electric fields of each radiation?
Alpha: Slightly deflected by electric fields.
Beta: Strongly deflected by electric fields.
Gama: Not deflected by electric fields.
