Types of radiation and their properties

Question 1

Name the types of radioactivity or radioactive decay.

Answer 1

Alpha particles (α)
Beta particles (β)
Gamma radiation (γ)

Question 2

What is the symbol for an alpha particle?

Answer 2

4 He or 4 α

2 2

Question 3

What is the symbol for a beta particle?

Answer 3

0 e or 0 β

-1 -1

Question 4

What is the symbol for gamma radiation?

Answer 4

𝛾

Question 5

Describe alpha particles.

Answer 5

Alpha particles are slow moving, heavy particles consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This means that they have a charge of +2 and a mass of 4 which is the same as a helium nucleus. They have low penetrating power and can be stopped by a few centimeters of air or a sheet of paper.

Question 6

Describe beta particles.

Answer 6

Beta particles are fast moving electrons that are emitted by some radioactive nuclei when a neutron splits into a proton and an electron. This means they have a charge of -1 and a mass of 0. Beta particles have a medium penetrating power and are stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum or plastics such as perspex.

Question 7

Describe Gamma radiation.

Answer 7

Gamma radiation is a high energy electromagnetic wave and not a particle. This means gamma rays have no mass and no charge. Gamma rays have a high penetrating power and it takes a thick sheet of metal such as lead, or concrete to reduce them significantly.

Question 8

Describe what would happen to an alpha particle in an electrical field.

Answer 8

As expected, positive alpha particles are attracted to the negative plate.

Question 9

Describe what would happen to beta particles in an electrical field.

Answer 9

Negative beta particles are attracted to the positive plate.

Question 10

Describe what would happen to gamma rays in an electrical field.

Answer 10

Gamma rays are unaffected as they have no charge.

Question 11

Why is the deflection of an alpha particle much smaller than the beta particle in an electrical field of equal strength?

Answer 11

The deflection of an alpha particle is much smaller than that of the beta particle, in an electrical field of equal strength, as the alpha particle is much greater in mass.

Question 12

What is the speed of an alpha particle?

Answer 12

It has a slow speed.

Question 13

What is the speed of a beta particle?

Answer 13

It has a fast speed.

Question 14

What is the speed of gamma radiation?

Answer 14

It has the speed of light.