What are the three major radiations experienced by heavy unstable nuclei, and how does the penetrating power compare for each?

α - Emission of a Helium nucleus, it has the highest mass and lowest energy of the three types of radiation, it has a +2 overall charge due to its 2 neutron - 2 proton makeup, and can penetrate up to a few sheets of paper only. β - Emission is release of a fast moving electron via the decay of a neutron into a proton within the atom, it can penetrate much farther than an alpha particle and will be stopped by a layer of Aluminium foil.Gamma emission is the release of an electromagnetic wave with the highest penetrating power and no relative mass, gamma rays will only be stopped by heavy shielding such as lead or thick concrete.

RL

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If Newton's 3rd law is true (all actions have an equal and opposite reaction), then how can any object move?


Describe what red shift is and why i provides evidence for the Big Bang Theory.


If a student uses an electric kettle connected to a 230V mains power supply, with a heating power of 1.8kW. Assuming negligable losses, answer the following: a) find the current in the kettle b) find the total energy transferred in 2 minutes of operation


A kettle boils 0.6kg of water. After some time the temperature of the water has decreased to 83 degrees. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200J/kg. Calculate the energy transferred to the surroundings.