New
New
Year 11
AQA
Higher

Ionising radiation

I can describe the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.

New
New
Year 11
AQA
Higher

Ionising radiation

I can describe the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Radioactive particles can emit radiation in the form of particles or gamma radiation.
  2. Ionising radiation forces electrons from atoms, leaving an atom with a positive charge called an ion.
  3. Alpha particles are more ionising than beta or gamma because they have a bigger charge and stronger electric field.

Keywords

  • Radioactive particle - a particle that can decay and emit nuclear radiation

  • Radiation - emitted by a radioactive nucleus when it decays

  • Ionisation - the removal of one or more outer electrons from an atom

  • Alpha particle - a particle of radiation made from two protons and two neutrons, with a relative charge of +2

  • Beta particle - a particle of radiation made of an electron emitted at high speed from an unstable nucleus

Common misconception

Alpha and beta particles and gamma radiation are radioactive.

Differentiate between radioactive particles that can emit radiation and the radiation itself. Radiation consists of fast moving particles or radiation that can cause ionisation because their electric fields interact with those of outer electrons.

If a radiation kit is available, it can be used to demonstrate the similarities and differences between each type of radiation. Different uses of radiation can be researched and reported on by pupils, perhaps as a homework activity.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What part of an atom is identical to a beta-minus particle?
Correct answer: an electron
a nucleon
a neutron
a proton
Q2.
The nucleus of which atom is identical to an alpha particle?
a hydrogen nucleus
Correct answer: a helium nucleus
a lithium nucleus
a beryllium nucleus
Q3.
How is a beta particle emitted from a radioactive atom?
slowly from an outer electron shell
at very high speed from an inner electron shell
slowly from the nucleus
Correct answer: at very high speed from the nucleus
Q4.
What is the mass (nucleon) number of $$^{240}_{94}$$Pu?
94
146
Correct answer: 240
334
Q5.
How many electons are in an atom of $$^{231}_{90}$$Th?
Correct answer: 90
141
231
321
Q6.
How many neutrons are in the nucleus of an atom of $$^{235}_{92}$$U?
92
Correct answer: 143
235
327

6 Questions

Q1.
Which particles are radioactive?
alpha particles and beta particles
alpha particles but not beta particles
beta particles but not alpha particles
Correct answer: neither alpha particles nor beta particles
Q2.
Why is a beta particle not radioactive?
It is not harmful.
Correct answer: It can't decay any further.
It has no energy.
It has negative charge.
It has positive charge.
Q3.
How can alpha particles damage atoms they pass sufficiently close to?
They collide with and break up the atom's nucleus.
They knock the atom's nucleus out of the atom.
Correct answer: They pull electrons off atoms they pass close to.
They destroy the electrons of atoms that they collide with.
Q4.
Which of these is the thinnest barrier that can stop most beta particles?
a single sheet of paper
the outer layer of a person's skin
Correct answer: a thin sheet of aluminium
a thick sheet of lead
several metres of concrete
Q5.
Put these types of radiation in order of how ionising they are, starting with the most ionising.
1 - alpha particles
2 - beta particles
3 - gamma radiation
Q6.
Put these types of radiation in order of how penetrating they are, starting with the most penetrating.
1 - gamma radiation
2 - beta particles
3 - alpha particles