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Questions and Answers
What particles are emitted during alpha radiation?
What particles are emitted during alpha radiation?
Which type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?
Which type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?
Which type of radiation is characterized by having no charge?
Which type of radiation is characterized by having no charge?
What is the ionizing power of gamma radiation compared to alpha radiation?
What is the ionizing power of gamma radiation compared to alpha radiation?
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What is the main use of beta radiation?
What is the main use of beta radiation?
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Alpha particles have what type of charge?
Alpha particles have what type of charge?
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Which of the following statements is true about beta radiation?
Which of the following statements is true about beta radiation?
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Which radiation type is slow-moving compared to the others?
Which radiation type is slow-moving compared to the others?
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Study Notes
Radioactive Decay Types
-
Alpha Radiation:
- Composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (a helium nucleus).
- Emitted from an unstable atom's nucleus.
- Low penetrating power; stopped by paper or skin.
- Positive charge (+2).
- Slow speed.
- High ionizing power.
- Large mass (4 atomic mass units).
- Used in smoke detectors, radiotherapy, and tracer studies.
- Alpha decay is the emission of an alpha particle.
-
Beta Radiation:
- Composed of electrons (beta-minus: e⁻) or positrons (beta-plus).
- Emitted from the nucleus during neutron decay into a proton and an electron.
- Moderate penetrating power; stopped by aluminum or plastic.
- Negative charge (-1 for beta-minus), positive charge (+1 for beta-plus).
- Faster than alpha, but slower than gamma.
- Moderate ionizing power.
- Very small mass (nearly 0 atomic mass units).
- Used in thickness gauges, radiotherapy, and carbon dating.
- Beta decay is the conversion of a neutron to a proton and electron emission.
-
Gamma Radiation:
- High-energy electromagnetic radiation.
- Emitted from the nucleus, often after alpha or beta decay.
- Very high penetrating power; stopped by thick lead or concrete.
- No charge (neutral).
- Travels at the speed of light.
- Low ionizing power.
- Massless (photons).
- Used in sterilizing medical equipment, cancer treatment, and industrial radiography.
- Gamma decay releases energy without altering the number of protons or neutrons.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Alpha | Beta | Gamma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | 2p + 2n (He nucleus) | e⁻ (β⁻) or e⁺ (β⁺) | High-energy photon |
| Penetration | Low | Moderate | Very High |
| Charge | +2 | -1 (β⁻), +1 (β⁺) | 0 |
| Speed | Slow | Fast (but not light) | Light speed |
| Ionizing Power | High | Moderate | Low |
| Mass | Large | Very small | None |
| Uses | Smoke detectors, radiotherapy | Thickness gauges, radiotherapy | Sterilization, radiotherapy |
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Description
Explore the different types of radioactive decay, including alpha and beta radiation. Learn about their properties, penetrating power, and practical applications in fields like radiotherapy and smoke detection. This quiz will deepen your understanding of nuclear chemistry concepts.
