Combined ScienceCode 5129
The three types of emission
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- Know that radioactive decay means an unstable nucleus undergoing a change which may lead to α, β and γ radiation being released, and know that such changes happen spontaneously and at random.
- Describe α-particles as made up of two protons plus two neutrons (helium nuclei), β-particles as fast-moving electrons emitted from the nucleus, and γ-radiation as electromagnetic waves of high frequency.
- State, for α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation, (a) how each compares in its ionising effect (b) how each compares in its penetrating power