Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

• What are isotopes?

  Different forms of an element with varying neutrons
• How do isotopes of an element differ?

  By the number of neutrons they contain
• What does it mean for a material to be 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 composed of?

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

  He (helium)
• What is the charge of alpha particles?

  Two plus
• What can stop alpha particles?

  A single sheet of paper
• How far can alpha particles travel in air?

  A few centimeters
• 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 behave when emitted?

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

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

  It increases stability by reducing neutrons
• How do the types of radiation differ in terms of ionizing and penetrating power?

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

  A thin sheet of aluminum
• What stops gamma rays?

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

  Two plus
• What is the mass of beta particles?

  Virtually no mass
• Why are gamma rays considered weakly ionizing?

  They have no mass or charge
• How does the ionizing power of alpha particles compare to beta particles?

  Alpha particles are more strongly ionizing
• How does the penetration ability of gamma rays compare to alpha particles?

  Gamma rays can penetrate much further