Nuclear Radiation Flashcards
What are the three kinds of radiation?
Alpha, beta and gamma.
What is ionisation?
Gaining or losing electrons.
What can all types of radiation cause?
Ionisation.
Positive ions are when what happens to the mount of electrons?
There are less
Negative ions are formed when what happens to the amount of electrons?
More electrons.
What can ionisation also initiate (start)?
Chemical reactions between different atoms.
If a type of radiation can penetrate materials more than another type is it less or more ionising?
Less ionising.
Describe alpha particles?
Relatively big, heavy and slow moving.
How many protons and neutrons do alpha particles have?
2 protons 2 neutrons.
If radiation particles are bigger are they more penetrating or less?
Less.
Describe beta particles.
Small and fast moving.
What two things does gamma rays have?
No mass and no charge.
What does an unstable nucleus decays give off?
Nuclear radiation.
