Types of Ionising Radiation Flashcards

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Name the three types of ionising radiation.

Alpha, beta and gamma.

What does ionising mean?

Being able to knock electrons off atoms to make ions.

What is an alpha particle?

A helium nucleus made of two protons and two neutrons.

What is a beta particle?

A fast electron released from the nucleus.

What is gamma radiation?

A high energy electromagnetic wave.

Which type is the most ionising?

Alpha is the most ionising. Gamma is the least.

Which type is the most penetrating?

Gamma is the most penetrating. Alpha is the least.

What material stops alpha radiation?

A sheet of paper or skin. Its range in air is only a few centimetres.

What material stops beta radiation?

A few millimetres of aluminium, about 3 mm. Its range in air is a few metres.

What material reduces gamma radiation?

Thick lead or concrete. It has a very long range in air.

What charge do alpha, beta and gamma have?

Alpha has +2, beta has -1, and gamma has 0 (no charge).