Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
Why is radiation emitted from the nucleas?
Because in atoms with large mass and lots of protons and neutrons, the nucleas is unstable.
What is an alpha particle?
Two protons, two neutrons.
What is a beta particle?
A fast-moving electron
What is gamma radiation?
A short, electromagnetic wavelength.
Order nuclear radiation in ionising power (high to low)
Alpha, beta, gamma
Order nuclear radiation in penetrating power/range ( high to low)
Gamma, beta, alpha
What can alpha radiation be absorbed by?
A sheet of paper
What can beta radiation be absorbed by?
A thin sheet of aluminium
What can gamma radiation be absorbed by?
Several (10) cm of lead
How far can alpha particles travel in the air and why?
Up to 10cm, because it loses energy ionising.
How far can beta particles travel in the air?
Up to 1 metre
How far can gamma radiation travel in the air and why?
Virtually unlimited because it has very low ionising power so doesn’t lose much energy.
What happens when alpha radiation is emitted?
Two protons and two neutrons are emitted from the nucleas of the atom.
What happens when beta radiation is emitted?
A neutron converts a proton in the nucleas which triggers an electron to be created in the nucleas but it doesn’t belong so it is fired out.
Why is gamma radiation emitted?
A burst of energy escapes from the atom
