Ionisation (Edexcel GCSE Physics Combined Science): Flashcards
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Definition of ionisation
Definition of ionisation
Radiation collides with atoms and knocks off electrons, creating ions
Relationship between ionising power and danger
Relationship between ionising power and danger
More ionising = more dangerous
What ionising radiation damages in living cells
What ionising radiation damages in living cells
DNA, which can lead to mutations or cancer
Alpha radiation ionising power
Alpha radiation ionising power
Highly ionising
Materials that stop alpha radiation
Materials that stop alpha radiation
Paper or skin
Beta ionising power compared to alpha
Beta ionising power compared to alpha
Less ionising than alpha
Materials that stop beta radiation
Materials that stop beta radiation
Thin aluminium (passes through paper)
Nature of gamma radiation
Nature of gamma radiation
Electromagnetic waves, neutral, no charge
Gamma radiation ionising power
Gamma radiation ionising power
Least ionising
Materials that stop gamma radiation
Materials that stop gamma radiation
Thick lead or concrete
Why alpha is highly ionising
Why alpha is highly ionising
Big, heavy particles collide with many atoms
Why gamma is least ionising
Why gamma is least ionising
Doesn't interact easily with atoms