Radioactive decay Flashcards
What is beta
A high-speed electron ejected by the nucleus that is created when the nucleus decays
What is gamma
Electromagnetic waves similar to X-rays
Relative charge of all types of radiation
Beta: -1
Gamma: 0
Alpha: +2
What is alpha radiation
2 protons + 2 neutrons (equivalent to helium nucleus)
Ionising power of all radiation
Beta: weak
Gamma: very weak
Alpha: strong
Mass of all radiation
Beta: low mass
Gamma: almost no mass
Alpha: high mass
Penetrating ability of all radiation
Beta: Stopped by metal
Gamma: Never stops, lead and concrete reduces intensity
Alpha: Stopped by paper or skin
Alpha’s range
Short range, 6 cm in air
Alpha’s radiation
Heavy
How can alpha be harmful
If inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through open wounds
What emits alpha particles
Polonium
Americium
Radium
Radon
Uranium
Thorium
What detects alpha radiation
A geiger-müller probe
Where does alpha radiation take place
In a heavy nucleus
Energy conservation problem
Initially thought neutrons decay to protons and electrons.
Noticed energy before decay is greater than energy of proton and
neutron after. Therefore there is a new particle called neutrino.
What is a neutrino
An antiparticle
