Paper 1 Radiation

Question 1

Which radiation is the most penetrating?

Answer 1

Gamma has to be stopped by lead

Question 2

Describe a beta particle

Answer 2

Beat particle is an ELECTRON ejected from the NUCLEUS

Question 3

Describe an ALPHA particle

Answer 3

Alpha particle consists of 2 PROTONS joined to 2 NEUTRONS

n+
+n

Question 4

Which radiation is the most ionising?

Answer 4

The radiation that is most ionising is ALPHA - because of the double + charge

Question 5

Which type of radiation has the longest range in air?

Answer 5

BETA radiation has the longest range in AIR

Question 6

Characteristics of ALPHA particles

Answer 6

Alpha Particles are:

. LARGE
. Travel around 5cm in air before they collide with air particles & stop
. ALPHA particles are stopped by a SINGLE SHEET OF PAPER
. Very strongly ionising

Question 7

Characteristics of BETA particles

Answer 7

BETA Particles are:

. Can travel further than Alpha
. Can travel about 15 cms in air before stopping
. BETA particles are stopped by a few MM of ALUMINIUM
. Quite strongly ionising

Question 8

Characteristics of GAMMA particles

Answer 8

GAMMA particles are:

. Stopped by several cms of LEAD
. Weakly ionising

Question 9

How are IONS formed?

Answer 9

IONS are formed when:

. Radiation COLLIDES with atoms
. That causes the atoms to LOSE electrons & form IONS

Question 10

SOLIDS

Answer 10

. Particles VERY CLOSE together
. Particles arranged in REGULAR PATTERN
. Particles VIBRATE but DO NOT MOVE