different types of radiation Flashcards
what are the three different types of radiation
alpha, gamma , beta
what are alpha and beta particles emitted from
they are emitted from the nucleus
how does a unstable nucleus become more stable
by emitting an alpha or beta particle or by emitting gamma radiation
what are alpha particles
alpha particles are two neutrons and two protons joined
a alpha particle is basically a helium nucleus
what is beta decay
a neutron that converts to a proton emitting a fast moving electron particle in the proton
its identical to a ordinary electron
what is gamma rays
y rays are high energy electromagnetic waves if a nucleus still has active energy following a a or b decay
what is alphas decay change in the nucleus and particle emitted
nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons
2 protons and 2 neutrons emitted as an alpha particle
what is beta decay change in the nucleus and particle emitted
a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton
an electron is created in the nucleus and instantly emitted
what is alphas radiation change in the nucleus and particle emitted
none
energy is given out and it is called electromagnetic radiation
what are the three different types of radiation
cosmic rays
rocks and soil
living things
what are the artificial sources of radiation
radioactive waste
radioactive fallout
medical x-rays
what gas do background activity contain
radon gas
what do living things and plants absorb
radioactive material from the soil
if people live in a area with high radiation what does there house have
to have their homes well ventilated to remove radon gas
how do humans add to the amount of background activity of radiation
from X-rays, radioactive waste, nuclear poweplants and nuclear weapons testing
