Three Types of Emission
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 5.3.1
Three Types of Nuclear Emission
Alpha, beta and gamma radiation all have different properties.
Alpha radiation
- Each alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons.
- Because of this, alpha particles have a relative mass of 4.
- Because the particles are big and heavy, alpha radiation is strongly ionising.
- It does a lot of damage, but is stopped by a small amount of matter (like paper).
Beta radiation
- Beta radiation is made up of high-energy electrons.
- Beta radiation is more ionising than gamma radiation, but less ionising than alpha radiation.
- It can pass through paper, but is stopped by aluminium foil.
Gamma radiation
- Gamma radiation is weakly ionising.
- It does less damage than beta or alpha radiation, but it is stopped only by centimetres of lead or concrete.
Test yourself on Three Types of Emission
What is the relative mass of an alpha particle?
Which type of radiation is made up of high energy electrons?
Which of the following statements about radiation emissions are true?