Background, Alpha, Beta And Gamma Radiation Flashcards
Background radiation is…
…radiation we absorb from space and naturally radioactive substances
The six main sources of background radiation are…
…cosmic, food and drink, radon, rocks and buildings, x-ray, nuclear.
The last two are man-made and the rest are natural
An example of a food that is naturally high in radioactive elements:
Brazil nuts, bananas, shellfish
An alpha particle is…
…a helium nucleus (2 protons and 2 neutrons). It is very ionising but not very penetrating
A beta (minus) particle is…
…a high energy electron fired from the nucleus. It is formed when a neutron turns into a proton
Gamma radiation is…
…a wave of electromagnetic radiation sent from the nucleus. It is the most penetrating and least ionising.
The symbol(s) for an alpha particle are…
…
The symbol(s) for a beta particle are…
…
The symbol for gamma rays is…
…
Alpha particle can be stopped by…
…a few centimetres of air, or a sheet of paper
Beta particles can be stopped by…
…perspex or aluminium
Gamma rays can be stopped by…
…thick lead, or concrete (to slow them down)
