Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

• What are isotopes?

  Different forms of an element with varying neutrons
• What characterizes stable and unstable isotopes?

  Stable isotopes do not decay, unstable do
• What does it mean when a material is 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 charge of alpha particles?

  Two plus
• How far can alpha particles travel in air?

  A few centimeters
• What can stop alpha particles?

  A single sheet of paper
• Why are alpha particles strongly ionizing?

  They can easily knock off electrons from atoms
• What are beta particles?

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

  Negative one
• How far can beta particles penetrate materials?

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

  Waves of electromagnetic radiation
• How do gamma rays interact with materials?

  They pass straight through without colliding
• What is required to stop gamma rays?

  Thick sheets of lead or meters of concrete
• What happens when a nucleus emits a neutron?

  It increases stability by reducing neutrons
• How do the four types of nuclear radiation differ in terms of ionizing ability and penetration?

  • Alpha particles: Strongly ionizing, low penetration
  • Beta particles: Moderately ionizing, moderate penetration
  • Gamma rays: Weakly ionizing, high penetration
  • Neutrons: Varies, can penetrate deeply
• What stops beta particles?

  A thin sheet of aluminum
• What stops gamma rays?

  Thick lead or multiple meters of concrete
• What is the overall charge of alpha particles?

  Two plus
• What is the mass of beta particles?

  Virtually no mass
• What happens to the nucleus after beta decay?

  A neutron decays into a proton and an electron
• Why are gamma rays considered weakly ionizing?

  They have no mass or charge
• How does the emission of a neutron affect nuclear stability?

  It can increase stability by reducing neutrons