Alpha, gamma, beta 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 an isotope to be unstable?

  It can undergo radioactive decay
• What is radioactive decay?

  Emission of particles to become stable
• What does it mean if 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 nuclear symbol for alpha particles?

  He
• What is the charge of alpha particles?

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

  They are relatively large and easily stopped
• How far can alpha particles travel in 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 off electrons from atoms
• What are beta particles?

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

  Negative one
• How do beta particles differ from alpha particles?

  Beta particles have virtually no mass
• How far can beta particles penetrate materials?

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

  Waves of electromagnetic radiation
• Why are gamma rays weakly ionizing?

  They have no mass or charge
• How far can gamma rays travel through materials?

  Long distances, needing thick lead to stop
• What happens when a nucleus emits a neutron?

  It increases stability by reducing neutrons
• 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 with charge -1
  • Stopped by aluminum
  • Moderately ionizing
  • Gamma rays:
  • Electromagnetic waves
  • Stopped by lead
  • Weakly ionizing
  • Neutrons:
  • Emitted to increase stability
• What is the purpose of emitting a neutron from a nucleus?

  To increase stability
• What are isotopes?

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

  They do not undergo radioactive decay
• 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 composed of?

  Two protons and two neutrons
• What is the charge of alpha particles?

  Two plus
• How far can alpha particles travel in the 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 behave when passing through materials?

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

  Thick sheets of lead or multiple 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