Nuclear Radiation 2 Flashcards
What is ionising power
The ability of radiation to damage molecules
What can alpha rays he absorbed by
A few centimetres of air or a thin sheet of paper
Beta rays can pass through air and paper but what can absorb it
A few millimeters of aluminum
Which type of nuclear radiation is the most penetrating
Gamma
If gamma can pass through anything that absorbs alpha or beta rays what absorbs it
Many centimeters of lead,or many metres of concrete to absorb the majority of
What type of nuclear radiation has the same components as helium
Alpha rays
What are the components of alpha rays
Two neutrons and two protons
And it is ejected from the nucleus
What are the hazards of alpha particles
They are highly likely to be absorbed and cause damage if passed through living cells
What are the components of beta rays
A high speed electrons
Ejected from the nucleus as a neutron turns into a proton
What are the hazards of beta rays
Likely to cause damage if absorbed by living cells
Can penetrate the body to inner organs
What are the components of gamma rays
Electromagnetic radiation
Emitted from the nucleus
What are the hazards of gamma rays
Likely to pass through living cells without being absorbed and causing ionisation
