P2.5 Radioactive substances (2)

Question 1

What is the relative ionising power of alpha, beta, and gamma?

Answer 1

MOST= Alpha
Beta
LEAST= Gamma

Question 2

What does ionising mean?

Answer 2

Can knock electrons out of particles and form charged particles (ions)

Question 3

What materials and how much of them can stop gamma penetration?

Answer 3

Centimetres of lead

Metres of concrete

Question 4

How far will each type of radiation travel in air?

Answer 4

A- centimetres, very fast
B- metres, fast
G- many metres/kilometres

Question 5

Gamma rays are not particles. Why?

Answer 5

Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves

Question 6

According to the nuclear model, the atom is…

Answer 6

…mostly empty space

Question 7

What can new evidence do to an existing theory?

Answer 7

Can cause it to be re-evaluated

Question 8

Order the background radiation sources from highest dose to lowest: Radon gas, Medical, Cosmic rays, Rocks and buildings, Food and drink

Answer 8

R adon (gas)
R ocks (and buildings)
M edical (inc. X-Rays)
C osmic (rays)
F ood (and drink)