Physics – 5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission | e-Consult
5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission (1 questions)
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Alpha (α) particles: These are helium nuclei (4He), consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
- Nature: They are relatively heavy and positively charged.
- Ionising effect: They have a high ionising effect because of their large charge and mass. They interact strongly with matter, knocking electrons off atoms in their path.
- Penetrating ability: They have a low penetrating ability. They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even a few centimetres of air.
Beta (β−) particles: These are high-energy electrons emitted from the nucleus.
- Nature: They are electrons with a negative charge.
- Ionising effect: They have a moderate ionising effect, less than alpha particles but more than gamma rays. They interact with electrons in the atoms they pass through.
- Penetrating ability: They have a better penetrating ability than alpha particles, but less than gamma rays. They can be stopped by a thin sheet of metal (e.g., aluminium).
Gamma (γ) rays: These are high-energy electromagnetic radiation (photons).
- Nature: They are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays. They have no mass or charge.
- Ionising effect: They have a low ionising effect. They interact with matter through electromagnetic forces, but do not knock electrons off atoms as effectively as alpha or beta particles.
- Penetrating ability: They have a high penetrating ability. They can pass through a significant thickness of matter, such as lead or concrete.