Physics- alpha beta and gamma Flashcards
what is an alpha particle made of
a helium nucleus, 2 protons, 2 neutrons
what is a beta atom made of
high energy electron
what is gamma made of
electromagnetic wave
which one is the most damaging from the outside body?
Gamma as it can penetrate through skin
least damaging from outside body?
Alpha- cant penetrate
most damaging from inside body?
alpha, cant get out of your body
least damaging from inside your body?
gamma, can get out of your body
why are some substances radioactive?
-unstable nucleus: imbalance of protons and neutrons in nucleus
- try to become stable by randomly breaking into smaller fragments (radioactive decay)
what is it meant by Background radiation?
presence of alpha, beta and gamma in the surrouding of the setting/ environemnt
describe alpha calculation
describe beta calulations
describe how we can show gamma and why there is no calculation for it
charge of alpha
+2
charge of beta
-1
charge of gamma
no charge
