Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
What happens in radioactivity?
A
Unstable nuclei will decay and give out ionising radiation
2
Q
What are the types of radiation can cause ionisation?
A
Alpha radiation, Beta rediation, Gamma radiation
3
Q
What charge do alpha particles have?
A
Positive
4
Q
What charge do beta particles have?
A
Negative
5
Q
What are the properties of alpha particles?
A
- made up of two protons and two neutrons
- relatively big, heavy and slow-moving
- strong positive charge
- large mass makes them strongly ionising
6
Q
What are the properties of beta particles?
A
- in between alpha and gamma in terms of properties
- move quite fast and are small (they are electrons)
- negatively charged
- moderately ionising
7
Q
What are the properties of gamma rays?
A
- opposite of alpha particles (in a way)
* weakly ionising
8
Q
What blocks each type of radiation?
A
Paper/cardboard - blocks alpha radiation
Thin aluminium - blocks beta radiation
Thick lead - blocks gamma radiation
9
Q
What is an isotope?
A
Different forms of the same element
