Radioactive Decay and Radiation Types

Radioactive Decay and Radiation Types

• Radioactive decay is the process where unstable atoms break down to become more stable, releasing particles or energy. These released particles and energy are categorized as alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

Alpha Radiation (α)

• Composition: Alpha particles consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus.
• Characteristics:
  • Heavier and positively charged compared to beta and gamma radiation.
  • Loses energy quickly when interacting with matter.
  • Low penetration power; stopped by a thin sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin.
• Examples of emitters: Uranium and radium.

Beta Radiation (β)

• Composition: Beta particles are high-speed electrons (or positrons).
• Characteristics:
  • Lighter and smaller than alpha particles, allowing them to travel farther.
  • Can penetrate paper but are stopped by materials like wood or thin sheets of aluminum.
• Origin: Occurs when a neutron within an unstable nucleus decays into a proton and an electron (the beta particle).

Gamma Radiation (γ)

• Composition: Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays but with much higher energy levels. They are pure energy, not particles.
• Characteristics:
  • Highly penetrating; can travel through significant thicknesses of materials.
  • Requires thick shielding materials like lead or concrete to block effectively.
• Occurrence: Often emitted alongside alpha or beta radiation during the decay process as the nucleus releases energy, a process often linked to the release of alpha or beta particles.