Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
Alpha Radiation
A
Alpha particles - 2 protons, 2 neutrons
Helium Nuclei
No electrons (charge is 2+)
Stopped by sheet of paper
Low penetrating power
Very ionising
2
Q
Beta Radiation
A
Beta particles - electron
Charge (-1)
Neutron decays into proton and electron
Proton stays in nucleus, electron ejected
Moderately ionising
Stopped by 5mm of aluminium
3
Q
Gamma radiation
A
Waves
Often emitted after alpha and beta radiation
Weakly ionising
High penetration power
Stopped by thick sheets of lead
4
Q
Neutron radiation
A
If nucleus has too many neutrons, making it unstable
Neutron ejected
