7.4 More About Alpha, Beta And Gamma Radiation Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is alpha radiation stopped by?
Paper
What do alpha radiation have a range of?
A few centimetres in air
What do alpha particles consist of?
It consists of particles, each composed of two protons and two neutrons (greatest ionising power)
What is beta radiation stop by?
A thin sheet of metal
What do beta particles have a range of?
1 metre in air
What do beta particles consist of?
Fast moving electrons emitted from the nucleus (less ionising than alpha more ionising than gamma)
What is gamma radiation stopped by?
Thick lead
What do gamma particles have a range of?
They have an unlimited range in air
What do gamma particles consist of?
Electromagnetic radiation
What do alpha beta and gamma radiation particles due to substances they pass through?
They ionise them
What can ionisation due to a living cell?
Can damage or kill the cell?
What is ionisation?
Any process in which atoms become charged
What is irradiated?
Exposure of an object to ionising radiation
What is radioactive contamination?
The unwanted presence of materials containing radioactive atoms on other materials
