Radiation Particles

Question 1

How do electrons move shells

Answer 1

The electrons get excited and can move if the absorb radiation but will eventually fall back down emitting EM radiation

Question 2

Can an electron leave an atom

Answer 2

An outer electron with enough energy can leave and is now free making the atom ionised (positive ion)

Question 3

Describe an alpha particle?

Answer 3

Two neutrons/protons
Helium nucleus
Can travel a few cm in air
Absorbed by paper

Question 4

Describe Beta minus particle

Answer 4

Fast moving electron
No mass and relative charge of -1
Moderately ionising 
Few m in air
Absorbed by 5mm of aluminium

Question 5

Beta plus particle

Answer 5

Fast moving positron
Antiparticle of electron
-1 mass / +1 relative charge
Moderately ionising 
Smaller range hit electron and produce gamma rays 
Used in PET scanning

Question 6

Gamma rays description

Answer 6

Released when nuclear decay happens
Travel far through air
Weakly ionising they pass rather than collide
Absorbed by a thick layer of lead or concrete

Question 7

What are the uses of alpha radiation ?

Answer 7

Household fire alarms

Question 8

What are the uses of gamma radiation ?

Answer 8

Sterilising food and surgical equipment

Question 9

What are he uses of beta radiation ?

Answer 9

Thickness control