What are the three types of radiation called?
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
What is radiation?
Particles OR waves of high energy randomly emitted by nucleus of the atom.
Alpha particles:
2 protons + 2 neutrons
Atomic mass of 4
Charge of +2
Beta particles:
1 electron
Atomic mass of 1/2000
Charge of -1
Gamma waves:
Short wavelength
Electromagnetic wave
NO mass or charge
Alpha particles are ?
Big and easy to stop
Beta particles are ?
Light in mass
Gamma waves are ?
Hard to stop
What stops alpha particles?
Paper or 2-3cm of air
What stops beta particles?
2-3mm of aluminium
What stops gamma waves?
Many centimeters of lead