Nuclear radiation (AQA GCSE Physics Combined Science): Flashcards
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Unstable atoms that give off radiation
Unstable atoms that give off radiation
Radioactive
Nature of radioactive decay
Nature of radioactive decay
Random - cannot predict when individual atoms decay
Composition of alpha particle
Composition of alpha particle
Helium nucleus: protons neutrons
Charge of alpha particle
Charge of alpha particle
(positive)
Beta particle identity
Beta particle identity
High-speed electron from nucleus
Charge of beta particle
Charge of beta particle
(negative)
Type of radiation gamma rays are
Type of radiation gamma rays are
Electromagnetic waves/pure energy
Charge and mass of gamma rays
Charge and mass of gamma rays
charge, mass
Ionising power definition
Ionising power definition
Ability to knock electrons off atoms
Ionising power of alpha particles
Ionising power of alpha particles
Very high
Ionising power of beta particles
Ionising power of beta particles
Medium
Ionising power of gamma rays
Ionising power of gamma rays
Low (hardly ionises at all)
Alpha penetrating power & what stops it
Alpha penetrating power & what stops it
Very low - stopped by paper or few cm of air
Beta penetrating power & what stops it
Beta penetrating power & what stops it
Medium - stopped by mm aluminium
Gamma penetrating power & what stops it
Gamma penetrating power & what stops it
Very high - needs thick lead