ionising radiation

Cards (18)

  • what are the three types of ionising radiation?
    Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
  • 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