radiation

Question 1

What are three types of radiation?

Answer 1

gamma, alpha, beta

Question 2

what are alpha particles made of?

Answer 2

helium nuclei

Question 3

what are beta particles made of?

Answer 3

high - speed electrons

Question 4

what are gamma particles made of?

Answer 4

EM waves with a short wavelength

Question 5

what are alpha radiation used for? Why?

Answer 5

smoke detectors - it ionises air particles causing a current to flow if there is smoke in the air it binds the ions meaning the current stops and the alarm sounds

Question 6

what are beta emitters used for? Why?

Answer 6

Beta admitters are used to test the thickness of sheets of metals - the particles are not immediately absorbed by the material like Alpha radiation would be and do not penetrate as far as gamma rays.

Question 7

what are gamma rays used for? Why?

Answer 7

gamma rays are used for sterilising food and medical instruments, and in the treatment and detection of cancer - gamma rays pass through the packaging and syringe, they will kill viruses and bacteria which contaminate the syringe.