B6.1.2 - Alpha, Beta, Gamma Flashcards
If any nucleus is unstable, what will it emit?
Radiation
What is a radioactive material?
Something that emits radiation
What is an alpha particle?
The nucleus of an helium atom
What Is a beta particle?
A fast moving particle
What is gamma?
An electromagnetic wave
What is a neutron particle?
A particle in the nucleus
What does a neutron decay to make?
A proton and an electron
What can you detect radiation with?
Geiger counter or Geiger-Muller tube
What is the Geiger counter?
A device that clicks when radiation enters it. Ever click is a current produced when radiation ionises a gas in the tube
Which is the most penetrating type of radiation?
Gamma
What is the least penetrating type of radiation?
Alpha particle
What can alpha, beta and gamma penetrate?
Alpha cannot get through paper
Beta cannot get through aluminium
Gamma cannot get through a lot of concrete
What is the ionising power and relative mass of alpha radiation?
Large mass
High ionising power
Short range
What is the relative mass and ionising power of beta?
Small relative mass
Medium ionising power
What is the relative mass and ionising power of gamma?
No mass
Low ionising power
