Properties of Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation Flashcards
What is Alpha particle?
An alpha particle is two protons joined to two electrons. (has the same structure as the nucleus of a helium atom)
Alpha particle has a 2+ charge.
What is a Beta radiation?
Beta radiation is when a beta particle (electron) is ejected from the nucleus.
What is Gamma radiation?
Gamma radiation is Gamma rays which are a type of electromagnetic radiation.
(example of electromagnetic radiation is light)
How far can Alpha particles travel in air?
Alpha particles are large and can travel around 5cm in air before they collide with the air particles and stop.
How far can Beta particles travel in air?
Beta particles can travel 15 cm in air before stopping.
How far can Gamma radiation travel in air?
Gamma radiation can travel several metres in air before stopping.
What is the penetrating power for Alpha particles?
Alpha particles are stopped by a single sheet of paper.
(easiest to stop)
What is the penetrating power for Beta particles?
Beta particles are stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium.
(it is harder to stop than alpha particles)
What is the penetrating power for Gamma radiation?
Gamma radiation is stopped by several centimetres of lead.
(hardest to stop)
What is ionising power?
Ionising power is when radiation collides with atoms , this can cause atoms to lose electrons and form ions.
Alpha particles are very strongly ionising this means they can produce a lot of ions when colliding with a material.
How ionising are Alpha particles?
Alpha particles are very strongly ionising.
Alpha particles are very strongly ionising this means they can produce a lot of ions when colliding with a material.
How ionising are Beta particles?
Beta particles are quite strongly ionising.
How ionising are Gamma Rays?
Gamma rays are weakly ionising.
Gamma rays are weakly ionising this means they produce very little ions when colliding with a material.
