Alpha, Beta, Gamma Flashcards
What is a stable atom?
An atom that doesn’t break down or decay
What do the nuclei of atoms that are unstable do?
They emit radiation - can be made up of particles or waves
What are the 4 types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Neutron
What type of Radiation are Alpha, Beta and Neutron?
Particle
What type of Radiation is Gamma?
Electromagnetic Wave
What is an Alpha particle?
The nucleus of a helium atom
What is the equation symbol for Alpha Particles?
4
He
2
What is a Beta particle?
A fast moving electron
What is the symbol for Beta particles?
0
e
-1
What is a Gamma wave?
A wave of the electromagnetic spectrum
What is a neutron particle?
A particle in the nucleus
What is the symbol for a neutron particle?
1
n
0
As a nucleus doesn’t contain electrons, where do beta particles come from?
Neutrons aren’t stable.
They can decay to make a proton and an electron
How do you detect radiation?
Geiger-Muller Tube or Geiger Counter
What does a Geiger Counter do and how does it work?
It is a device that clicks when radiation enters it.
Each click is a tiny current produced when the radiation ionises atoms of the gas inside the tube
How are Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation different?
They have different penetrating powers.
You can stop Alpha with paper or skin.
Beta goes through paper but not aluminium.
Gamma penetrates most things only lead or concrete partially stops it
What is Ionising Radiation?
The radiation emitted by radioactive material.
It means that the radiation can remove electrons from atoms to produce positively charged ions
What is the ionising power and range of Alpha radiation?
High ionising power
Short range
What is the relative mass and Charge of Alpha radiation?
Relative mass = large
Charge = +2
What is the ionising power and range of Beta radiation?
Medium ionising power
Medium range
What is the relative mass and charge of Beta radiation?
Relative mass = small
Charge = -1
What is the ionising power and range of Gamma radiation?
Low ionising power
Long range
What is the relative mass and charge of Gamma radiation?
No relative mass
No charge
What do you have to do ionise an atom?
Transfer energy to it.
Alpha particles transfer more energy to the material they are travelling through which is why they have a shorter range
