isotopes and nuclear radiation

Question 1

What is an isotope?

Answer 1

Atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Question 2

Alpha particles

Answer 2

• 2 protons, 2 neutrons
• Low penetration
• High ionisation

Question 3

Beta particles

Answer 3

• Electron emitted from neutron decay
• Medium penetration
• Medium ionisation

Question 4

Gamma rays

Answer 4

• Electromagnetic waves
• High penetration
• Low ionisation