AQA GCSE Physics - Properties of nuclear radiation

Front

What is alpha radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of positively charged particles called alpha particles, which are made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. It is the least penetrating type of radiation.

Front

What is beta radiation?

Back

Beta radiation consists of high-energy, high-speed electrons (beta particles) or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays, but with higher energy. It is highly penetrating and can pass through most materials.

Front

Which type of radiation is the most ionising?

Back

Alpha radiation is the most ionising type of radiation.

Front

Which type of radiation is the most penetrating?

Back

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating type of radiation.

Front

What is a Geiger-Muller tube?

Back

A Geiger-Muller tube is a device used to detect and measure ionising radiation.

Front

What material can absorb alpha radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation can be absorbed by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of human skin.

Front

What material can absorb beta radiation?

Back

Beta radiation can be absorbed by thin aluminium (a few mm thick).

Front

What charge does an alpha particle have?

Back

An alpha particle is positively charged.

Front

What charge does a beta particle have?

Back

A beta particle can be negatively charged (electron) or positively charged (positron).