Nuclear Physics: Radioactivity

Radioactivity:Spontaneous emission of radiation due to the natural disintegration of an unstable nucleus

RadiationEmission of particles of matter or photons of energy

 Types of RadiationAlpha (α)Beta (β)Gamma (ɣ)

Deflection of radiation in electric fields:α radiation is positively chargedβ radiation is negatively chargedɣ radiation has no electric charge

Deflection of radiation in magnetic fields:α and β particles travel in a circular motion in a magnetic fieldɣ radiation travels in a straight line (as it has no charge)

IonisationThe process by which a neutral atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electronsα particles are the most ionising, whereas ɣ particles have the least ionising effect

PenetrationThe distance the radiation travels through a mediumα particles are the least penetrating, whereas ɣ particles are the most penetrating 

Radioisotope:Unstable isotope of an element that disintegrates spontaneously, emitting radiationUses of radioisotopes: Medical imaging Medical therapy Food irradiation Agriculture Carbon dating Smoke detectors

Detection of Nuclear RadiationGeiger Muller tubeSolid state detector

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