5.4.6

Ionising Radiation

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Ions and Ionising Radiation

Alpha, beta and gamma radiation are all ionising radiation. Ionising radiation can break molecules into small particles called ions.

Illustrative background for Ions are charged particlesIllustrative background for Ions are charged particles ?? "content

Ions are charged particles

  • Ions are particles that become charged by gaining or losing electrons.
Illustrative background for Ions can cause cell damageIllustrative background for Ions can cause cell damage ?? "content

Ions can cause cell damage

  • Ions can react in unusual ways.
  • This can damage cells and complex chemical structures, such as DNA.
  • The cell damage from ionising radiation can cause mutations. These mutations can lead to cancer.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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