Isotopes And Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
What are isotopes?
Are different forms of the same element.
What are alpha particles?
An alpha particle is a particle that is emitted from the nucleus . It contains 2 neutrons and 2 protons. Eg helium nucleus
They don’t penetrate very far , stopped quickly , travel few cm in air, absorbed by thin piece of paper
Because of their size they are highly ionising
What are beta particles ?
Beta minus : Is a fast moving electron , they have no mass and a charge of -1.
Beta plus : is a fast moving electron, it is an anti particle of electron this means it has the same mass but +1 charge
What are the properties of beta particles?
They are moderately ionising.
Small range in air
Absorbed by aluminium, around 5mm thick
What are gamma rays?
They are electromagnetic waves with a short wavelength
Gamma rays carry away the nuclear decay energy
What are properties of gamma rays ?
Penetrate far into materials
Travel long distances through air
Weakly ionising - pass through atoms not collide
Be absorbed by lead or metres of concrete
