Alpha, beta, gamma radiation

• What does an alpha particle consist of

  2 protons

  2 neutrons
• Charge of an alpha particle

  2+
• Another name for an alpha particle

  Helium nucleus
• Why is alpha strongly ionising

  Has a 2+ charge
• Is alpha weakly penetrating

  Yes as it can be stopped by 5cm of air or a single sheet of paper
• What does a beta particle consist of

  1 electron
• Another name for a beta particle

  Electron
• Is a beta particle moderately ionising?

  Yes
• What stops beta particles

  Thin sheet of aluminium
• Gamma radiation

  Pure energy

  Type of electromagnetic wave
• What is required to stop gamma radiation

  Thick sheet of lead or multiple metres of concrete
• Why is gamma radiation weakly ionising

  Has no mass or charge