Radiation: properties of different types of radiation
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Alpha particles:

• consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (Helium nucleus)
• highly ionizing therefore they strongly attract electrons
• have a charge of +2
• bent by electric and magnetic fields but not as much as beta due to larger mass
• relatively heavy and slow moving
• absorbed by skin / 5cm air / card therefore it has poor penetrating power

Beta Particles:

• a fast moving electron
• in beta radiation, a neutron turns into a proton and an electron and the electron is ejected
• very light (little mass)
• weak ionizing ability
• move at 9/10 the speed of light
• bent strongly by electric and magnetic fields
• fast moving, moves up to 30-50cm in air, absorbed by 5mm Al. Can ionize an air molecule

Gamma Rays:

• electromagnetic rays
• moves at the speed of light
• high energy radiation with shorter wavelength than X rays
• never fully absorbed therefore has a very long range
• very very weakly ionizing because it has no charge or mass
• not affected by electric and magnetic fields
• kills living cells
• only emitted with alpha and beta particles
• strength halved by thick concrete, thick lead (25mm)

For nuclear equations:

• When alpha decay occurs, mass no. decreases by 4 and atomic no. decreases by 2.
• For beta decay, mass number does not change, atomic number increases by 1.
• Gamma decay, a gamma ray is released (energy), no change to mass & atomic number.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Acids and Bases
2. Aqueous Chemistry
3. Chlorine
4. Definitions of Element, Mixture and Compound
5. Definitions of Relative Atomic Mass, Isotope, Atomic No.
6. Radiation: properties of different types of radiation

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