Nuclear radiation-Type of radiation Flashcards
What are the three types of radiation?
- alpha
- beta
- gamma
What is the radiation known as alpha particles?
It is a helium nucleus.
(It has 2 protons and 2 neutrons.)
What is the radiation known as beta radiation?
It is a fast moving electron from the nucleus.
What is the radiation known as gamma radiation?
It is a high energy / frequency wave and part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
What is meant by ionisation?
It is when an atom gains or loses an electron to become charged.
Which is the most ionising radiation?
Alpha
Which is the least ionising radiation?
Gamma
What will absorb alpha radiation?
A few centimetres of air or a sheet of paper.
What will absorb beta radiation?
A few millimetres of aluminium
What will absorb gamma radiation?
Several centimetres of lead
What is meant by shielding?
Shielding means having something that will absorb radiation between you and the source of the radiation.
What will the amount of shielding required depend on?
The amount of shielding required to protect against different kinds of radiation depends on how much energy they have.
How can you reduce your exposure to radiation when you are working with it?
- Limit the time you have the source out (only get it when you need it)
- Handle only using tongs
- Keep the source at arm’s length
- Wash hands before and after use
- Do not eat while handling it
- Wear lead lined gloves/apron and safety goggles
What is meant by background radiation?
It is the radiation that is all around us.
State a source of man-made background radiation.
1) Weapons testing
2) Waste from the Nuclear industry
3) Medical uses: Having an X-ray, CT scan, barium meal etc.
State a source of natural background radiation.
1) Rocks: Some rocks such as granite or pitchblende are high in radioactivity
2) Food: Food can be slightly radioactive because of the soil it has been grown in.
3) Body: Contains Potassium 40 which is radioactive.
4) Cosmic Rays: Radiation from the Sun and outer space. The atmosphere will absorb most of this.
5) Radioactive gases: Radon and Thoron gases make up most of the dosage you will receive from background radiation. The gases come from rocks underground and the amount you are exposed to depends on the geology of where you live.
What are the particles in the nucleus called?
Protons and neutrons
What is the charge on a proton?
Positive
What is the charge on a neutron?
No charge
What is the charge on an electron?
Negative
In an atom which particle orbits the nucleus?
Electron
What are the main parts of an atom?
See diagram
What is the charge on an alpha particle?
Positive
What is the charge on a beta particle?
Negative
What is the charge on a gamma ray?
No charge
