Radiation Flashcards
What is alpha radiation?
A heavy, very short-ranged particle and an ejected helium nucleus.
Is alpha radiation able to penetrate human skin?
Most of it is not able to penetrate human skin. It’s also not able to penetrate clothing.
Can alpha-emitting materials be harmful?
It can be harmful; if materials are inhaled, swallowed or absorbed.
How far can alpha radiation travel?
It can only travel a short distance (a few inches), not an external hazard.
What are examples of alpha radiation?
Radium, radon and uranium.
What is beta radiation?
A light, short-ranged particle and is an ejected electron.
Is beta radiation able to penetrate human skin?
It’s able to penetrate human skin to the germinal layer (where new cells are produced).
Can beta-emitting materials be harmful?
If high levels of it contaminants are to be inside it can cause skin injury, it can also be harmful if deposited internally It can also penetrate clothing.
How far can beta radiation travel?
It can travel several feet of air.
What are examples of beta radiation?
Strontium, carbon.
What is gamma radiation?
Highly penetrating electromagnetic radiation.
Is beta radiation able to penetrate human skin?
It’s an external hazard towards humans and can really penetrate clothing and materials.
How far can gamma radiation travel?
It can travel many feet in the air and many inches in human tissue.
