Types of Radiation

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Alpha (α) Particles

  • It is a Helium Atom
  • Mass Number: 4
  • Positively Charged (+2e)
  • Air Travel: 4 cm
  • Stopped by Paper Sheet
  • Slow Movement
  • High Momentum
  • Ionises with Interacted Matter

(- 100 000 ion-pairs per cm of air)

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Beta (β) Particles

  • Fast Electron
  • Relative Atomic Mass: 1/1840
  • Negatively Charged (-1e)
  • Air Travel: Several Metres
  • Stopped by 5mm of Aluminium Foil
  • Fewer Interactions (comp. α-particles)
  • Great Penetrating Power
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Gamma (γ) Waves

  • Short Wavelength (10^-10 to 10^-12)
  • High Frenquency
  • No Mass
  • No Charge
  • Great Penetrating Power
  • Air Travel: Several Metres
  • Effects Reduced by Thick Lead
  • Weakest Ionising Power
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