Alpha, Beta & Gamma Radiation
what is a beta particles ionising strength?
moderately ionising
describe beta particles
penetrate moderately into materials & have a range of a few meters
what is an alpha particles ionising strength?
strongly ionising, because of their size
describe alpha particles
they dont penetrate very far into materials & are stopped quickly
give an example of how beta radiation is used
to check the thickness of a sheet of metal
what is a beta particles' mass & charge?
vertially no mass & a charge of -1
what are gamma rays?
waves of electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus
what are gamma rays ionising strength?
weakly ionising, as they tend to pass through, rather than collide with atoms
what is alpha radiation?
when an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus
what is an alpha particle?
2 neutrons & 2 protons
what is a beta particle?
a fast-moving electron released by the nucleus
what happens for every beta particle emitted?
a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton
give an example of how gamma radiation can be used
as a medical tracer through the body
how can beta particles be absorbed?
by a 5mm sheet of aluminium
how can alpha particles be absorbed?
by a sheet of paper
how can gamma rays be absorbed?
by thick sheets of lead or metres of concrete
describe gamma rays
can penetrate far into materials without being stopped & can travel long distances through the air
give an example of how alpha particles are used
in smoke detectors