Alpha Particles

Page
1

Slide 1

Alpha Particles

Alpha Particles: 2 neutrons and 2 protons

They travel short distances, have large mass

Only a hazard when inhaled

Four Primary Types of Ionizing Radiation:

Slide 2

Four Primary Types of Ionizing Radiation: Beta Particles

Beta Particles: Electrons or positrons having small mass and variable energy. Electrons form when a neutron transforms into a proton and an electron or:

Slide 3

Four Primary Types of Ionizing Radiation: Gamma Rays

Gamma Rays (or photons): Result when the nucleus releases

Energy, usually after an alpha, beta or positron transition

Slide 4

Four Primary Types of Ionizing Radiation: X-Rays

X-Rays: Occur whenever an inner shell orbital electron is removed

and rearrangement of the atomic electrons results with the release of

the elements characteristic X-Ray energy

Slide 5

Four Primary Types of Ionizing Radiation: Neutrons

Neutrons: Have the same mass as protons but are uncharged

They behave like bowling balls

Slide 6

Four Primary Types of Ionizing Radiation

Alpha particles

Beta particles

Gamma rays (or photons)

X-Rays (or photons)

Neutrons

Slide 7

Radiation fundamentals atomic and nuclear structure

Bureau of Radiation Control

Slide 8

Radioactivity: Elements & Atoms

Atoms are composed of smaller particles referred to as:

Protons

Neutrons

Electrons

Slide 9

Ionization

•Ionizing radiation is produced by unstable atoms. Unstable atoms differ from stable atoms because they have an excess of energy or mass or both.

•Unstable atoms are said to be radioactive. In order to reach stability, these atoms give off, or emit, the excess energy or mass. These emissions are called radiation.

•

Slide 10

Types or Products of Ionizing Radiation





or X-ray

neutron

Slide 11

Radioactive Atom

X-ray

gamma ray