Unit 1: nuclear physics

Question 1

What are the characteristics of alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ)?

Answer 1

Characteristics:
alpha (α): positively charged
beta (β): negatively charged
gamma (γ): no weight

Question 2

What are the relative ionizing effects of alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ)?

Answer 2

Their relative ionizing effects:
alpha (α): most ionizing
beta (β): middle ionizing
gamma (γ): least ionizing

Question 3

What are the relative penetrating abilities of alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ)?

Answer 3

Their relative penetrating abilities:
alpha (α): least penetrating
beta (β): middle penetrating
gamma (γ): most penetrating

Question 4

Where do alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) come from?

Answer 4

alpha (α): two neutrons bound
beta (β): high energy electrons
gamma (γ): waves of electromagnetic energy

Question 5

What makes an atom neutral? They should have same numbers of: ___________ and _____________.

Answer 5

protons (+) and electrons (-).