Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
What is an alpha particle?
A helium nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons emitted from the nucleus.
What is a beta particle?
A fast moving electron released by the nucleus.
What is a gamma particle?
Waves of electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus.
What is the relative charge of an alpha particle?
+2
What is the relative charge of a beta particle?
-1
What is the relative charge of a gamma particle?
0
Roughly, what is the range of an alpha particle in air?
Few centimetres.
Roughly, what is the range of a beta particle in air?
Around a metre.
Roughly, what is the range of a gamma particle in air?
Virtually infinite.
What material is needed to absorb an alpha particle?
An alpha particle can be absorbed by a sheet of paper.
What material is needed to absorb a beta particle?
A beta particle can be absorbed by a sheet of aluminium (5mm)
What material is needed to absorb a gamma particle?
A gamma particle can be absorbed by thick sheets of lead or metres of concrete.
What is the ionisation ability of an alpha particle?
Very highly ionising.
What is the ionisation ability of a beta particle?
Moderately ionising.
What is the ionisation ability of a gamma particle?
Very low ionisation.
