Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation (VCE SSCE Physics): Flashcards
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Discoverer of radioactivity (1896)
Discoverer of radioactivity (1896)
Henri Becquerel
Composition of alpha particle
Composition of alpha particle
2 protons + 2 neutrons (helium nucleus)
What stops alpha radiation?
What stops alpha radiation?
Paper or a few centimetres of air
What stops beta radiation?
What stops beta radiation?
Few millimetres of aluminium
What stops gamma radiation?
What stops gamma radiation?
Several centimetres of lead
Definition of ionization
Definition of ionization
Removing or adding electrons to a neutral atom
Alpha particle speed (as % of speed of light)
Alpha particle speed (as % of speed of light)
~10% of the speed of light
Beta particle speed (as % of speed of light)
Beta particle speed (as % of speed of light)
Up to 90% of the speed of light
Alpha decay: change in mass number
Alpha decay: change in mass number
Decreases by 4
Alpha decay: change in atomic number
Alpha decay: change in atomic number
Decreases by 2