Properties Of Radiation Flashcards
What type of radiation is emitted from a helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons and what are the properties?
Alpha, a Relative charge +2 Relative mass 4 Ionising power - heavily ionising Penetrating power - very low, only ~ 10cm in air Affected by magnetic fields - Yes
What type of radiation is emitted from an electron from the nucleus and what are the properties?
Beta, B-
Relative charge -1
Relative mass 1/1840
Ionising power - weakly ionising
Penetrating power - low, stopped by thin aluminium
Affected by magnetic fields - Yes, but in the opposite direction to a and B+
What type of radiation is emitted from a particle with same size as electrons but an opposite charge and what are the properties?
Neutron, n Relative charge 0 Relative mass 1 Ionising power - not directly ionising Penetrating power - high Affected by magnetic fields - no, since neither are charged
What type of radiation is emitted from a wave and what are the properties?
Gamma, y (waves)
Relative charge 0
Relative mass 0
Ionising power - not directly ionising
Penetrating power - very high, stopped only by thick lead
Affected by magnetic fields - no, since neither are charged
Explain why an atom has a neutral charge
An atom has the same number protons and electrons. This mean it has the same number of positive charges and negative charges, so the atom is neutral