Atomic structure

• What particles make up an alpha particle?

  2 protons and 2 neutrons
• What is the charge of an alpha particle?

  Positive charge (+2)
• How does alpha radiation interact with materials?

  It is stopped by paper, skin, and a few centimeters of air
• What is a beta particle?

  An electron with a negative charge (-1)
• How does beta radiation interact with materials?

  It is stopped by an aluminium sheet
• What type of radiation is gamma radiation?

  An electromagnetic wave
• What is the charge of gamma radiation?

  It has no charge
• How does gamma radiation interact with materials?

  It is stopped by thick lead and concrete
• What happens to the mass number during alpha decay?

  The mass number decreases by 4
• What is the atomic number change during alpha decay?

  The atomic number decreases by 2
• What is the equation representing alpha decay of Uranium-238?


  $^{238}_{92}U \rightarrow ^{234}_{90}He +$$^{4}_{2}He$
• What happens to the mass number during beta decay?

  The mass number stays the same
• What is the atomic number change during beta decay?

  The atomic number increases by 1
• What is the equation representing beta decay of Carbon-14?


  $^{14}_{6}C \rightarrow ^{14}_{7}N +$$\beta^{-}$
• What is produced during gamma decay?

  Gamma rays, which are waves
• What occurs during contamination with radioactive particles?

  A radioactive particle comes into direct contact with a material or object
• What is the risk level of contamination with alpha particles compared to gamma particles?

  Greatest risk with alpha because it is the most ionising
• What is irradiation?

  When an object or person is exposed to radiation given off by radioactive particles
• What is the risk level of irradiation with alpha particles compared to gamma particles?

  Lowest risk with alpha because it can't travel far in the air
• What is the greatest risk associated with gamma radiation?

  Greatest risk with gamma due to its ability to penetrate materials