RADIATION Flashcards
What is alpha radiation?
Radiation in particle form with energy typically 2-5 meV
What are gamma rays?
Electromagnetic radiation with energy typically 1-100 MeV
What is visible light?
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelength typically 400-700nm
What are x-rays?
Electromagnetic radiation with photon energy typically 3-100 keV
What does A (mass number) represent?
Total number of nucleons- protons plus neutrons
Which medium block alpha particles?
Paper
Which medium blocks beta particles?
PLastic
Which medium blocks gamma x ray particles?
Lead
Which medium blocks gamma decay rays?
Concrete
What happens to the intensity with distance?
As distance increases, intensity decreases
What is alpha radiation?
alpha rays that are positively charges and a nucleus emits an alpha particle if nuclei are too heavy. Loses two protons and two neutrons (A-4, Z-2). Undergoes transmutation (changing elements after one decay)
Why does alhpa radiation occur?
Occurs because the strong nuclear force can’t hold very large nuclei together- only a short range force and only acts between neighbouring nucleons.
What are the two types of beta particle radiation?
Beta plus and beta minus
What occurs in beta plus radiation and when does it occur?
When there are more protons than the neutrons and it is decay from a positron emission (e+) rather an electron emission. LOSES one proton (positron) (Z-1)
What occurs in beta minus radiation and when does it occur?
When there are more neutrons than protons and neutron forms a proton, electron and an antineutrino. GAINS one proton (Z+1). Daughter nucleus charge is 1 electron greater than parent. (electron is from within the nucleus!!!) Excess neutron turns into a proton and electron. Electron ejected energetically.