Nuclear equations

?
  • Created by: Cat91
  • Created on: 11-05-18 07:44

Alpha radiation

226                               222                    4

       Ra      ------------>          Rn          +    He

88                                  86                     2

Radium-unstable           Radon-more     Alpha particle.

metal                             stable metal

1 of 3

Beta radation

The neuclus releases a fast moving electron called a beta particle. Beta particles have a charge of -1 and practically no mass. They're somewhat ionising. After a few meters air will stop them. Around 5mm of aluminium will also stop them. A neutron turns into a proton for every beta particle that's released. They can be used to test the thickness of metals, they go futher than alpha particles but don't fly straight through everything like gamma does.

2 of 3

Gamma radiation

The neuclus releases waves of electromagnetic radiation called gamma rays. They travel far and don't get stoped by much. They pass through atoms with ease so that makes them weakly ionising. Though all things end and these rays will end up colliding with something and dealing some damage. Thick lead and concrete can, however, stop them.

3 of 3

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Physics resources:

See all Physics resources »See all Equations and Formulae resources »