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
Answered by Ryan L. Physics tutor

2134 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the input and output energy sources for a car engine. How would you calculate the efficiency? Explain in terms of the inputs and outputs how the efficiency could be improved.


What are the different ways that energy can be transferred?


A runner of weight 588N runs at a speed of 8 miles/hr. What is the kinetic energy of the runner? Determine the power exerted by the runner over a distance of 10m.


what is the total resistance of 2 resistors each with resistance 2 ohms in parallel?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning