4.2.1 Types of Radiation

• Radioactive decay is the process where unstable atomic nuclei transform into a more stable configuration
• What particle is emitted in alpha radiation?

  Helium nucleus
• The penetration power of alpha radiation is low, and it can be stopped by a sheet of paper
• What particle is emitted in beta radiation?

  Electron or Positron
• Beta particles have a charge of -1 or +1 and a small mass.


  True
• What type of particles are emitted in beta radiation?

  Electrons or positrons
• Beta radiation has higher penetration power than alpha radiation.

  True
• Match the type of radiation with its characteristics:

  Beta ↔️ Moderate penetration power

  Alpha ↔️ Large mass, low penetration

  Gamma ↔️ No charge, high penetration
• Gamma radiation has no charge or mass.


  True
• Which type of radiation has a charge of +2 and is stopped by paper?

  Alpha
• The key difference between the three types of radiation is their penetration power.
• What is radioactive decay?

  Emission of particles or energy
• Match the type of radiation with its corresponding particle or wave:

  Alpha ↔️ Helium nucleus

  Beta ↔️ Electron or Positron

  Gamma ↔️ High-energy electromagnetic wave
• Alpha radiation can penetrate through skin and clothing.

  False
• Order the types of radiation from lowest to highest penetration power:

  1️⃣ Alpha

  2️⃣ Beta

  3️⃣ Gamma
• Beta radiation has moderate penetration power and can pass through paper but is stopped by thin metal
• What type of particle is emitted in beta radiation with a -1 charge?

  Electron
• Beta radiation involves the emission of particles with a small mass
• Arrange the types of radiation in order of increasing penetration power.

  1️⃣ Alpha

  2️⃣ Beta

  3️⃣ Gamma
• What is gamma radiation composed of?

  Electromagnetic waves
• Gamma radiation requires thick, dense materials like lead to effectively block it.
• Gamma radiation is deflected by a magnetic field due to its charge.

  False