I/GCSE Physics - Radiation Types

Some atomic isotopes are unstable and emit radiation, they become more stable. This process is called Radioactive Decay.

You must remember the definition of isotopes as it helps with a lot of reasoning in I/GCSE Physics! 👨‍🏫

Isotopes: Elements that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons. 

The 3 types:

• Alpha - α
  • Description: Helium nucleus of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
  • Electric charge: 2+
  • Relative atomic mass: 4
  • Penetration power: Goes through plastic and stops.
  • Ionising effect: Big/heavy so highly ionising.
  • Effects of magnetic/electric field: Weakly deflected.
• Beta - β
  • Description: High kinetic energy electrons.
  • Electric charge: 1-
  • Relative atomic mass: 0
  • Penetration power: Plastic and paper stopped by aluminum.
  • Ionising effect: Not a lot of mass so moderately ionising.
  • Effects of magnetic/electric field: Strongly deflected .
• Gamma - γ
  • Description: Very high frequency electromagnetic radiation.
  • Electric charge: 0
  • Relative atomic mass: 0
  • Penetration power: Plastic, paper, aluminum, stopped (reduced) by lead.
  • Ionising effect: Weakly ionising.
  • Effects of magnetic/electric field: Not deflected.

• When radiation hits an atom it can cause it to lose electrons.
• The positively charged atom produced is called an ion, this process is called ionisation.
• Radioactivity is measured in Becquerel (Bq)

This is the end of the topic! Well done!

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