Alpha, beta and gamma particles

• What are isotopes?

  Different forms of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
• Why are only one or two isotopes of an element stable?

  Because the rest are unstable and can undergo radioactive decay
• What does it mean when a material is described as radioactive?

  It consists of unstable isotopes that can decay
• What are the four types of nuclear radiation?

  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Gamma rays
  • Neutrons
• What are alpha particles made of?

  Two protons and two neutrons
• What is the nuclear symbol for alpha particles?

  He (helium's nuclear symbol)
• What is the overall charge of alpha particles?

  Two plus
• Why can alpha particles not penetrate very far into materials?

  Because they are relatively large and easily stopped by collisions
• How far can alpha particles travel in the air?

  A few centimeters
• What can stop alpha particles?

  A single sheet of paper
• What does it mean for alpha particles to be strongly ionizing?

  They can easily knock electrons off atoms they collide with
• What are beta particles?

  Electrons emitted from a decaying neutron
• What is the charge of beta particles?

  • 1
• How are beta particles emitted?

  When a neutron decays into a proton and an electron
• How do beta particles compare to alpha particles in terms of size and ionization?

  Beta particles are smaller and moderately ionizing
• How far can beta particles penetrate materials?

  Several meters of air or about five millimeters of aluminum
• What are gamma rays?

  Waves of electromagnetic radiation
• Why are gamma rays emitted?

  As a way for the nucleus to get rid of extra energy
• How do gamma rays interact with materials?

  They tend to pass straight through materials
• What is required to stop gamma rays?

  A thick piece of lead or multiple meters of concrete
• What happens when a nucleus contains too many neutrons?

  It can emit a neutron to increase stability
• What are the key characteristics of the four types of nuclear radiation?

  • Alpha particles:
  • Made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
  • Stopped by paper
  • Strongly ionizing
  • Beta particles:
  • Electrons emitted from neutrons
  • Stopped by aluminum
  • Moderately ionizing
  • Gamma rays:
  • Electromagnetic waves
  • Stopped by lead or concrete
  • Weakly ionizing
  • Neutrons:
  • Emitted to increase stability
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