4.2.1 Types of Radiation

• Radioactivity and radioactive decay are interconnected but distinct concepts in nuclear physics
• Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of particles or energy from unstable atomic nuclei.
• Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy
• Match the type of radioactive decay with its emission:

  Alpha decay ↔️ Alpha particle emission

  Beta decay ↔️ Beta particle emission

  Gamma decay ↔️ Gamma ray emission
• Order the characteristics of radioactivity and radioactive decay based on their definitions:

  1️⃣ Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of particles or energy from unstable nuclei

  2️⃣ Radioactive decay is the process of losing energy by emitting radiation

  3️⃣ Both occur in unstable atomic nuclei

  4️⃣ Alpha, beta, and gamma particles can be emitted

  5️⃣ Both result in a more stable nucleus
• What is an alpha particle equivalent to?

  Helium nucleus
• Gamma rays have the highest penetrating power
• What is the charge of an alpha particle?

  +2
• Radioactivity occurs because unstable atomic nuclei seek a more stable state
• Radioactive decay involves the emission of alpha, beta, or gamma particles.
• What is the composition of an alpha particle?

  2 protons, 2 neutrons
• Beta particles have a small mass compared to alpha particles.
• Gamma radiation requires shielding with lead or concrete
• What is the charge of an alpha particle?

  +2
• Alpha particles have low penetrating power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper
• What are the two types of particles emitted during beta decay?

  Electrons and positrons
• Beta particles can pass through thin aluminum sheets.
• What is radioactivity?

  Spontaneous emission of particles
• Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy
• Match the terms with their definitions:

  Radioactivity ↔️ Spontaneous emission from unstable nuclei

  Radioactive Decay ↔️ Process of energy loss through radiation emission
• Radioactive decay involves the emission of alpha, beta, or gamma radiation
• What is the result of radioactive decay?

  A more stable nucleus
• What are alpha particles composed of?

  Two protons and two neutrons
• Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons
• Gamma rays are high-energy photons emitted during radioactive decay.
• Match the radiation type with its composition:

  Alpha (α) ↔️ 2 protons, 2 neutrons

  Beta (β) ↔️ High-energy electron or positron

  Gamma (γ) ↔️ High-energy photons
• What is the charge of an alpha particle?

  +2
• Beta particles have a small mass compared to alpha particles.
• Gamma rays have high penetrating power.
• What material is required to shield gamma radiation?

  Lead or concrete
• Alpha particles have low penetrating power and can be stopped by paper or clothing.
• What are the two types of particles emitted in beta radiation?

  Electrons and positrons
• Beta particles have a much smaller mass compared to alpha particles.
• Gamma rays have no charge or mass and require dense materials like lead to block their high penetrating power.
• Arrange the radiation types in order of increasing penetrating power:

  1️⃣ Alpha (α)

  2️⃣ Beta (β)

  3️⃣ Gamma (γ)
• Match the radiation type with its shielding requirement:

  Alpha (α) ↔️ Paper or clothing

  Beta (β) ↔️ Aluminum sheet

  Gamma (γ) ↔️ Lead or concrete
• What is the composition of alpha radiation?

  Two protons and two neutrons
• Alpha radiation has a positive charge of +2.
• Alpha particles have low penetrating power.
• What type of particles make up beta radiation?

  High-energy electrons or positrons