Radioactivity Flashcards
What is an alpha particle made of
2 neutrons
2 protons
(Helium Nucleus)
What is a beta particle made of
An electron which has been ejected from a nucleus at very high speed
How is a beta particle formed
When a neutron changes into a proton and an electron
What is a gamma ray
A type of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom
Alpha particles range in air
5cm
Beta particles range in air
15cm
Gamma radiation range in air
10m
What material can we use to stop alpha particles
Paper or skin
What material can we use to stop beta particles
1cm of aluminium
What material can we use to stop gamma radiation
5-10cm of lead
What is ionising power
When radiation collides with atoms, causing the atoms to loose electrons and form ions
Most ionising type of radiation
Alpha particles
Least ionising type of radiation
Gamma radiation
