Radiation Flashcards
1
Q
Alpha radiation
A
Made up of two neutrons and two protons
2
Q
Why is alpha radiation emitted
A
Atom is unstable and some mass has to be released
3
Q
Beta radiation
A
Fast moving electrons
4
Q
Why is beta radiation emitted
A
In the nucleus a neutron turns into a proton so charge has to be balanced
5
Q
Gamma radiation
A
Electromagnetic waves
6
Q
Why is gamma radiation emitted
A
Often emitted from an unstable nucleus after beta or alpha radiation has been emitted
7
Q
Word for unstable
A
Metastable
8
Q
Mass of alpha
A
Large (8000)
9
Q
Mass of beta
A
Small (1)
10
Q
Mass of gamma
A
None
11
Q
Charge of alpha
A
2+
12
Q
Charge of beta
A
-
13
Q
Charge of gamma
A
Neutral
14
Q
Penetration power of alpha
A
Absorbed by a few cm of air or paper
15
Q
Penetration power of beta
A
Absorbed by a few mm of aluminium or flesh
