Types of radiation Flashcards
What is nuclear radiation
describes any rays or particles emitted by an atomic nuclei
What is ionising radiation
When nuclear radiation comes into contact with other atoms it can dislodge electrons from them turning them into ions
What are some features of alpha particles
Travel less than 10% of speed of light
Significant mass and charge, it can ionise hundreds of thousands of atoms
Low penetration
Only travel few cm
What are some features of beta particles
Travel up to 90% speed of light
Moderate ionising ability
Moderate penetration
Features of gamma rays
Travel at speed of light
Low ionising ability
High penetrating ability
What is absorbed dose
Radiation absorbed per kilogram of tissue
What is dose eqivalent measured in
Sv = sieverts
How to calculate dose equivalent
dose equivalent = absorbed dose x quality factor
What are the quality factors of Alpha neutrons beta negative particles and gamma rays
20 10 1 1 respectively
