alpha radiation is when an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus
an alpha particle is two neutrons and two protons
what type of radiation is the most ionising?
alpha
what type of radiation is least penetrating?
alpha
alpha radiation is used in smoke detectors because..?
it ionises air particles, causing a current to flow. If there is smoke in the air, it binds to the ions - meaning the current stops and the alarm sounds
alpha particles are helium nuclei
beta particles are high-speed electrons
beta particles have no mass and a charge of -1
beta emitters are used to test thickness of sheets of metal
gamma rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus
what type of radiation is the least ionising?
gamma
what type of radiation is most penetrating?
gamma
beta particles are both moderately ionising and penetrating
outside the body what sources are the most dangerous?
beta and gamma
inside the body what source is the most dangerous?
alpha
what are the risks of using radiation?
-can cause mutant cells which divide uncontrollably
-higher doses can kill cells and can cause tissue damage
how does radiotherapy treat cancer?
high doses can kill cancer cells or they can use a radiation emitting implant next to or inside the tumor