Alpha - Beta - Gamma

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Cambridge IGCSE Physics (Radioactivity) Flashcards on Alpha - Beta - Gamma, created by KNiGHTS on 07/11/2013.
KNiGHTS
Flashcards by KNiGHTS, updated more than 1 year ago
KNiGHTS
Created by KNiGHTS over 10 years ago
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Question Answer
There are three types of Radiation: Alpha, Beta and Gamma. The activity of a substance is measured in Becquerals. All three of these are harmful to human cells and can cause cancer if exposed for too long.
Alpha particles are Helium nuclei. They are positively charged and are a product of alpha decay These particles have the highest ionising power. Despite this, they have the shortest range, and fail to penetrate even paper.
Beta particles are electrons that are the result of a neutron splitting into a proton and an electron, and are negatively charged. Beta particles have an average ionising power, as well as an average range. These particles are stopped by aluminium.
Gamma comes in the form of waves, rather than particles. As a result, they have no charge. Gamma radiation has the smallest ionising power, however has the longest range, only being stopped by thick lead.
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