Alpha Beta Gamma Radiation

• What are isotopes?

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

  They have the same protons but different neutrons
• What does it mean for an isotope to be unstable?

  It can undergo radioactive decay
• What is radioactive decay?

  Emission of particles to become more 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
• How are alpha particles represented?

  With helium's nuclear symbol, He
• What is the charge of alpha particles?

  Two plus due to two positive protons
• Why can't alpha particles penetrate far into materials?

  They are large and easily stopped by collisions
• 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 that alpha particles are strongly ionizing?

  They can easily knock electrons off atoms
• What are beta particles?

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

  Negative one
• How are beta particles emitted?

  From a neutron decaying into a proton and electron
• How do beta particles compare to alpha particles in terms of size and mass?

  Beta particles are tiny with virtually no mass
• How far can beta particles penetrate materials?

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

  Waves of electromagnetic radiation
• Why are gamma rays emitted?

  To rid the nucleus of extra energy
• How do gamma rays interact with materials?

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

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

  It increases stability by reducing neutrons
• Recap the types of nuclear radiation and their stopping power.

  • Alpha particles: stopped by paper
  • Beta particles: stopped by aluminum
  • Gamma rays: stopped by lead or concrete