RADIATION

RADIATION

1. radioactive

   • substances which give out radiation from the nuclei randomly

2. background radiation

   • natural sources
     • cosmic rays
     • granite rock gives off gamma rays and radon gas
   • artificial sources
     • medical (CT scan/X-ray)
     • nuclear power waste

3. ALPHA

   • 2 neutrons + 2 protons
   • not very penetrating
     • blocked by 5cm air
   • not very ionising
   • positive charge

4. BETA

   • high energy electrons
     • emitted from unstable nuclei
       • made when neutron in nucleus splits
         • to make proton and electron
   • negative charge
   • medium penetration
     • stopped by paper/thin aluminium/few metres air

5. GAMMA

   • electromagnetic waves
   • high frequency/short wavelength
   • most penetrating
     • only stopped by many cm's lead or many metres concrete

Images and files in the map