alpha, beta & gamma

Question 1

what is an isotope?

Answer 1

atoms with the same number of protons, but different number of neutrons

Question 2

what is the symbol of alpha?

Answer 2

a sideways fish thing with tail not connected

Question 3

what is the symbol of beta?

Answer 3

ß

Question 4

what is the symbol of gamma?

Answer 4

upside down fish with tail not connected

Question 5

describe alpha, charge and relative atomic mass

Answer 5

2 protons & 2 neutrons
+2 charge
- atomic mass 4

Question 6

describe beta, charge and relative atomic mass

Answer 6

• neutron changes to a proton and electron
• high energy
• 1 charge
• 1/2000

Question 7

describe gamma, charge and relative atomic mass

Answer 7

• not a particle, an electromagnetic wave
• no charge
• no size mass

Question 8

penetration power, ionisation effect of each

Answer 8

alpha - power is least & effect most
beta - power is partly & effect partly
gamma - power is most & effect least

Question 9

effects of magnetic/electric field

Answer 9

alpha - m & e - particles deflect in opposite directions
beta - m & e - particles deflect in opposite directions
gamma - doesn’t deflect by m or e field

Question 10

what was alpha blocked by & range in air?

Answer 10

• paper

- 10cm

Question 11

what was beta blocked by & range in air?

Answer 11

• aluminum

- 1m

Question 12

what was gamma blocked by & range in air?

Answer 12

• lead

- unlimited

Question 13

what is ionising

Answer 13

gaming or loss of an electron, causes mutation e.g leads to cancer