Types of radiation

Question 1

Radioactive Decay

Answer 1

Some atoms are unstable so we so they are radioactive
They try to become stable by emitting alpha, beta or gamma radiation
Process of atoms undergoing radioactive decay is random and spontaneous
No way of telling when or which atom will decay in a radioactive material

Question 2

Geiger counter

Answer 2

Used to measure the ionising radiation. To gain greater accuracy when measuring radioatice decay we must;
Repeat the experiment and calculate average
Carry out the experiment over a longer period of time

Question 3

Alpha

Answer 3

Stopped by paper and skin
Positive charge (+2)
Very high ionising power

Question 4

Beta

Answer 4

Stopped by aliminium foil
Negative charge (-1)
Medium ionising power

Question 5

Gamma

Answer 5

Stopped by several cm of lead and many metres of concrete
No charge
Low ionising power

Question 6

Alpha decay

Answer 6

Number of protons and neutrons decrease by 2
Nucleon number decreases by 4

Question 7

Beta decay

Answer 7

Number of protons increase by 1 and number of neutrons decrease by . Nucleon stays the same

Question 8

Gamma decay

Answer 8

Only energy is given off so there is no charge in mass or atomic numbers

Question 9

Background radiation

Answer 9

Naturally all around us. Surrounded by radioactive atoms that can decay. Sorted into natural and man made sources

Question 10

Correcting for background radiation

Answer 10

Radiation from source = 150 (total) - 30 (background) = 120 (radiation from source)

Question 11

Radon Gas

Answer 11

Formed when Uranium in volcanic rocks like granite undergoes radioactive decay to form radium and then the radium decays to radon gas. High levels of Radon gas can lead to lung cancer