Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation

• What are isotopes?

  Different forms of an element with varying neutrons
• What is the significance of stable isotopes?

  Only one or two isotopes are stable
• What does it mean for a material to be 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?

  Overall charge of two plus
• How far can alpha particles travel in air?

  A few centimeters
• What can stop alpha particles?

  A single sheet of paper
• Why are alpha particles strongly ionizing?

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

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

  Charge of minus one
• How do beta particles originate?

  A neutron decays into a proton and an electron
• How far can beta particles penetrate materials?

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

  Waves of electromagnetic radiation
• How do gamma rays behave in materials?

  They pass straight through without colliding
• What makes gamma rays weakly ionizing?

  They have no mass or charge
• What is required to stop gamma rays?

  Thick sheets of lead or multiple meters of concrete
• What happens when a nucleus has too many neutrons?

  It can emit a neutron to increase stability
• How do the four types of nuclear radiation differ in terms of ionization and penetration?

  • Alpha particles: Strongly ionizing, low penetration
  • Beta particles: Moderately ionizing, moderate penetration
  • Gamma rays: Weakly ionizing, high penetration
  • Neutrons: Varies, can increase stability
• What stops beta particles?

  A thin sheet of aluminum
• What stops gamma rays?

  Thick piece of lead
• What is the main purpose of gamma rays emitted after alpha or beta radiation?

  To rid the nucleus of extra energy