Types of radiations

Alpha radiations Alpha radiations consist of: -two neutrons -two protons

Alpha radiations is changing the original atom to one of an element with an atomic number 2 less and atomic weight 4 less than the original atom.

Example of alpha decay

Beta radiations Beta radiations take the form of: -electron -positron

The positron has a particle with the size and mass of an electron, but with a positive charge, emitted from an atom.

Example of beta decay

Gamma radiations Gamma radiations do not consist of any particles. It is a photon of energy being emitted from an unstable nucleus.

Example of gamma decay

X-ray radiations X-ray radiations are very similar to the gamma radiations with the difference being that they come from the electron cloud.

Neutron radiations Neutron radiations consist of a free neutron

Differences between alpha, beta and gamma radiations

Alpha radiations are the easiest to stop just with a thin layer of paper. Beta radiations can travel a few meters in the air due to the small mass. It can be stopped by a thick piece of wood or a stack of paper. Gamma waves can be stopped by a thick or dense enough layer material , with high atomic number materials such as lead or depleted uranium being the most effective form of shielding

Stopped by Alpha radiation Beta radiation Gamma radiation Paper √ X Wood Plastic Aluminium Lead Thick lead Depleted uranium

Deflection in an magnetic/electric field Alpha radiation is attracted by the negative pole Beta radiation is attracted by the positive pole Gamma radiation is not attracted by any pole

Sources https://www.mirion.com/introduction-to-radiation-safety/types-of-ionizing-radiation/ https://www.wikimedia.org http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/faqs/radiationtypes.html

Thanks for your attention A presentation by Razvan, Jannes, Angelica, Svetlozar

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.