T Level Health - Radiation

T Level Health, Core B core science concepts. Template adapted from Canva.com.
B1.31 The types and properties of ionising radiation:
• alpha particle:
o consists of 2 neutrons and 2 protons and is equivalent to a helium nucleus
o high ionising but low penetrating power
o range is 1 to 2 centimetres of air
• beta:
o a high-speed electron ejected from the nucleus as a neutron turns into a proton
o medium ionising and penetrating power
o range is approximately 15 centimetres of air
• gamma:
o electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus
o low ionising and high penetrating power
o range is many kilometres of air
B1.32 The definition of half-life:
• the time taken for half of the unstable nuclei in a sample to decay