CP6E Types of radiation Flashcards
Why can a radioactive substance easily change or decay
The nucleus is unstable
State 5 types of nuclear radiation
1) Alpha particles
2) Beta particles
3) Positrons
4) Gamma rays
5) Neutrons
What constitutes an alpha particle
Two protons and two neutrons
it is the same as a helium nucleus
+2 charge
What constitutes a beta particle
High energy high speed electrons.
-1 charge
What constitutes positrons
High energy high speed with +1 charge
What constitutes Gamma-rays
High frequency electromagnetic waves.
What constitutes a neutron
no charge
What happens to alpha particles in air and how ionising are they and how can they be stopped
Will travel a few cm in air
Very ionising
Stopped by a sheet of paper
What happens to beta particles in air and how ionising are they and how can they be stopped
Will travel a few metres in air
Moderately ionising
Can be stopped by 3mm thick aluminium
