Atomic Structure

Question 1

What are alpha particles?

Answer 1

Alpha radiation is when the alpha particles are emitted from the nucleus

Question 2

What are beta particles?

Answer 2

A beta particle is simply a fast-moving electron released by the nucleus. Beta particles have virtually no mass and a charge of -1

Question 3

What are gamma rays?

Answer 3

Gamma rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus.

Question 4

How ionsing are the alpha, beta and gamma ray particles?

Answer 4

Alpha- strongly ionising
Beta- moderately ionising
Gamma rays- weakly ionising

Question 5

What does alpha decay do?

Answer 5

Alpha decay decreases the charge and mass of the nucleus

Question 6

What does beta decay do?

Answer 6

Beta decay increases the charge of the nucleus

Question 7

What do radioactive substances do?

Answer 7

Radioactive substances give out radiation from the nuclei of their atoms. Radioactive decay is entirely random