1. Alpha beta and gamma

3. What is radioactive decay?
Teacher notes
This activity, summarising the three types of radiation, could be used to introduce the topic of radiation, as a plenary exercise or as a revision exercise.

4. What is alpha (α) radiation?
Description
2 neutrons, 2 protons
Note:– An alpha particle is the same as a helium nucleus
Electric charge +2
Relative atomic mass 4
Penetrating power
Stopped by paper or a few centimetres of air
Ionizing effect
Strongly ionizing
Effect of magnetic/ electric field
Weakly deflected

5. What is beta (β) radiation?
Description
High energy electron
Electric charge -1
Relative atomic mass
1/1860
Penetrating power
Stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium
Ionizing effect
Weakly ionizing
Effect of magnetic/ electric field
Strongly deflected

6. Gamma () radiation Description High energy electromagnetic radiation
Electric charge
Relative atomic mass
Penetrating power
Stopped by several centimetres of lead or several metres of concrete
Ionizing effect
Very weakly ionizing
Effect of magnetic/ electric field
Not deflected

7. Types of radiation and penetrating power
Teacher notes
This matching activity could be used as a plenary exercise on the penetrating power of radiation. Students could be asked to complete the activity in their books or on mini-whiteboards. The activity could be concluded by completion on the IWB.