Types of Ionising Radiation

Why do some nuclei emit ionising radiation?

• They have too many electrons.

• To become more stable.

• To become less stable.

Which best describes alpha radiation?

• A helium nucleus.

• A fast moving electron.

• High energy electromagnetic wave.

Which best describes beta radiation?

• A helium nucleus.

• A fast moving electron.

• High frequency electromagnetic wave.

Which best describes gamma radiation?

• A helium nucleus.

• A fast moving electron.

• High frequency electromagnetic wave.

How does gamma radiation affect the nucleus?

• Emits excess energy in a burst of electromagnetic radiation.

• Increases proton number by one, reduces neutron by one. A neutron changes into a proton and emits a fast moving electron.

• Reduces the proton number by two and the neutron number by two, emitting a helium nucleus.

How does beta radiation affect the nucleus?

• Emits excess energy in a burst of electromagnetic radiation.

• Increases proton number by one, reduces neutron by one. A neutron changes into a proton and emits a fast moving electron.

• Reduces the proton number by two and the neutron number by two, emitting a helium nucleus.

How does alpha radiation affect the nucleus?

• Emits excess energy in a burst of electromagnetic radiation.

• Increases proton number by one, reduces neutron by one. A neutron changes into a proton and emits a fast moving electron.

• Reduces the proton number by two and the neutron number by two, emitting a helium nucleus.