Types of radiation

• What does an alpha particle consist of?

  Two protons and two neutrons.
• what can an alpha particle be stopped by?

  A sheet of paper.
• what is the charge of an alpha particle why?

  +2, because it has two protons, has no electrons.
• Why cant alpha particles penetrate far into other materials?

  Relatively large, alpha particles are easily stopped by collision with other molecules.
• What are beta particles and what is there charge?

  Are just electrons, have a charge of -1, no mass.
• What is the source of the beta particle?

  A neutron decaying into a proton and an electron
• What happens to the proton and electron in the beta particle?

  Proton: remains unchanged (stays in the electron) Electron: emitted out at high speeds
• How is the level of ionising for beta, alpha and gamma?

  Beta: Moderate ionising Alpha: Strongly ionising Gamma: Weakly ionising
• how can a beta particle be stopped, and how can it travel into materials?

  Stopped by: Aluminium foil (5mm) Penetrates moderately into materials
• what is a gamma rays, when is it often emitted?

  waves of electromagnetic radiation. emitted after alpha or betta radiation.
• What does a gamma particle not have, and what does this mean?

  have no mass or charge, so can pass straight through materials, making them weakly ionising.
• what stops a gamma ray?

  Lead
• What can a gamma ray do to materials?

  can penetrate really far into materials before being stopped.
• what is the emission of neutrons?

  When there are to many neutrons so therefore unstable, can throw out to increase stability.