GCSE Physics - Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation #33

The video explains isotopes and radioactive decay, focusing on four types of nuclear radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons. Alpha particles, made of two protons and two neutrons, are large and strongly ionizing but have low penetration. Beta particles are electrons with moderate ionizing ability and penetration. Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves with high penetration and low ionizing ability. Neutron emission occurs when a nucleus stabilizes by releasing a neutron. The video concludes with a recap of these radiation types and their properties.

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates isotopes of the same element?

• Atomic number

• Number of electrons

• Number of neutrons

• Number of protons

Which type of radiation consists of two protons and two neutrons?

• Neutrons

• Beta particles

• Gamma rays

• Alpha particles

How are beta particles formed?

• By the decay of a proton into a neutron and an electron

• By the decay of a neutron into a proton and an electron

• By the fusion of two electrons

• By the emission of a gamma ray

What is the nature of gamma rays?

• They are particles with mass

• They are waves of electromagnetic radiation

• They are composed of protons and neutrons

• They are charged particles

What happens when a nucleus emits a neutron?

• It becomes more stable

• It emits a gamma ray

• It becomes more unstable

• It increases its atomic number