Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation Flashcards
What is ionisation?
It is the addition or removal of electrons to create an ion.
Describe Alpha radiation and its ionisation and penetration?
It is the nucleus of an helium atom with a 2+ charge, it’s highly ionising but has low penetration.
Describe Beta radiation and its ionisation and penetration?
Beta radiation is an electron that has a charge of -1 and has basically no mass. It is moderately ionising and penetrating. Requires 5mm of aluminium to stop.
Where does the electron for beta radiation come from?
It comes not from an atom’s shell but is a neutron that has decayed into a proton and an electron.
What are Gamma rays? When and why do they happen?
They are waves of electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge. They happen usually after alpha or beta radiation and act as a way to get a little extra energy.
