Radiation

• Unstable isotopes try to become more stable by giving out particles from the nucleus via radiation
• 3 different types

  Alpha

  Beta

  Gamma
• Alpha Decay Loses 2 Neutrons and 2 protons and therefore Atomic mass loses 4 as the proton and neutron both hold mass (Example not realistic:)

  42 38

  Na ---> Na

  12 10
• Beta decay loses one electron so mass number doesn't change it would look like this. Because its losing an electron not proton the number actually goes up (Yet again not realistic) Show it like this

  42 42 0

  Na ----> Na + B

  12 13 -1
• Alpha radiation is the most ionizing and therefore most deadly but has the shortest distance of travel. Alpha radiation can be stopped by paper
• Beta radiation is in the middle for ionizing power and is the second most penetrating. Cannot get through tin foil
• Gamma rays are stopped by lead and are the least ionizing but considering their high power to get through things they are probably the most dangerous as your most likely to have constant interaction with this radiation