properties of alpha beta gamma radiation

• What are the three types of radiation discussed?

  Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
• What does it mean for an isotope to be radioactive?

  Its nuclei decay and release radiation
• Why can we not predict when radioactive decay will happen?

  It is a random process
• How far can alpha particles travel in air?

  About five centimeters
• How far can beta particles travel in air?

  About fifteen centimeters
• How far can gamma radiation travel in air?

  Several meters
• What material can stop alpha particles?

  A single sheet of paper
• What material is needed to stop beta particles?

  A few millimeters of aluminum
• What material can stop gamma radiation?

  Several centimeters of lead
• What does penetrating power indicate?

  The type of material needed to stop radiation
• What happens when radiation collides with atoms?

  Atoms can lose electrons and form ions
• What are ions?

  Atoms with a charge
• How ionizing are alpha particles?

  Very strongly ionizing
• How ionizing are beta particles compared to alpha particles?

  Quite strongly ionizing, but less than alpha
• How ionizing is gamma radiation?

  Weakly ionizing
• What are the key properties of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

  • Range in air:
  • Alpha: ~5 cm
  • Beta: ~15 cm
  • Gamma: Several meters
  • Penetrating power:
  • Alpha: Stopped by paper
  • Beta: Stopped by aluminum
  • Gamma: Stopped by lead
  • Ionizing power:
  • Alpha: Very strong
  • Beta: Quite strong
  • Gamma: Weak