Unit 4 - Atomic structure Flashcards
Alpha decay ?
Radiation which can be stopped by thin layer of paper or skin ,
Charge of +2 because it has same structure as a helium nucleus
mass number 4
atomic number 2
Highly ionising
Beta decay ?
Radiation stopped by 5 mm aluminium but can penetrate skin
Charge of -1 because its an electron
Mass number of 0
atomic number of -1
ionising but not as strong as alpha
Gamma radiation
EM waves that can be stopped by sheets of lead or multiple meters of concrete
no charge or mass or atomic number - 00
Weakly ionising
Symbol for this is a weird y
Which radioactive decay is most harmful outside the body
Gama and beta is most dangerous outside the body because it can penetrate skin
Alpha least dangerous outside the body because it cannot penetrate skin
Which radioactive decay is the most harmful inside the body
Alpha radiation because its highly ionising - this can ionise our cells and dna - causing mutations and in worst case it can cause cancer