Radiation Flashcards
1
Q
Examples of radiation in everyday life
A
- man made
- from rocks & minerals
- cosmic & solar
2
Q
What are radioactive materials made of?
A
Unstable atoms
3
Q
What is radioactive decay?
A
Process through which atoms of radioactive materials convert to more stable forms
4
Q
What are alpha particles?
A
- Charged particles
- form type of Rx when given of during decay
5
Q
Alpha particle penetrative power & hazard risk
A
- weakly penetrative
- stopped by very thin materials e.g. paper
- only hazardous if entering body through inhalation or broken skin
6
Q
What are beta particles?
A
Electrons & positrons emitted during radioactive decay
7
Q
Beta particles penetrative power & hazard risk
A
- slightly more penetrative than alpha
- May be stopped by thin layers of water/metal/glass
- hazardous if enter body
8
Q
What are gamma rays?
A
- similar to electrically produced x-rays
- emitted during decay
9
Q
Gamma ray penetrative power
A
- Greater than alpha or beta
- May be stopped by thick lead/concrete
10
Q
What are alpha/beta/gamma known as?
Define the effect
A
- ionising radiations
- produce an electrical effect (ionisation) when striking matter
