Alpha, beta and gamma radiation

Learning objectives:
You should be able to answer the following questions…
GRADE 4
Can you rank the three types of nuclear radiation in order of their penetrating power, range through air?
Can you describe the process of ionisation?
GRADE 6
Can you describe how a Geiger counter can be used to detect radiation?
Can you describe how penetrating powers are measured?
GRADE 8
Can you evaluate the risks caused by alpha radiation inside and outside the human body?
Can you describe how the thickness of a material being manufactured can be monitored using radiation?

Key words: alpha radiation, beta radiation, gamma radiation, random, ionisation, irradiated