Ionisation (Edexcel GCSE Physics): Flashcards
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What is ionisation?
What is ionisation?
Radiation collides with neutral atoms, knocking off electrons, turning them into ions
Why is more ionising radiation more dangerous?
Why is more ionising radiation more dangerous?
Causes greater damage to atoms
What does ionising radiation alter in atoms?
What does ionising radiation alter in atoms?
Structure of atoms and molecules
Effect of ionising radiation on DNA
Effect of ionising radiation on DNA
Can damage DNA in living cells
Consequences of DNA damage from radiation
Consequences of DNA damage from radiation
Mutations or cancer
Ionising level of alpha () radiation
Ionising level of alpha () radiation
Highly ionising
Size of alpha () particles
Size of alpha () particles
Big and heavy
What stops alpha () particles?
What stops alpha () particles?
Paper or skin
Ionising level of beta () radiation
Ionising level of beta () radiation
Less ionising than alpha
Beta () particles vs alpha (size & speed)
Beta () particles vs alpha (size & speed)
Smaller and faster
What stops beta () particles?
What stops beta () particles?
Thin metals like aluminium
Nature of gamma () radiation
Nature of gamma () radiation
Electromagnetic waves, neutral (no charge)
Ionising level of gamma () radiation
Ionising level of gamma () radiation
Least ionising
Penetration level of gamma () radiation
Penetration level of gamma () radiation
Most penetrating
What stops gamma () rays?
What stops gamma () rays?
Thick lead or concrete