Unit 4 - Atomic structure

Question 1

Alpha decay ?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Beta decay ?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Gamma radiation

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Which radioactive decay is most harmful outside the body

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Which radioactive decay is the most harmful inside the body

Answer 5

Alpha radiation because its highly ionising - this can ionise our cells and dna - causing mutations and in worst case it can cause cancer