What are the three major radiations experienced by heavy unstable nuclei, and how does the penetrating power compare for each?

α - Emission of a Helium nucleus, it has the highest mass and lowest energy of the three types of radiation, it has a +2 overall charge due to its 2 neutron - 2 proton makeup, and can penetrate up to a few sheets of paper only. β - Emission is release of a fast moving electron via the decay of a neutron into a proton within the atom, it can penetrate much farther than an alpha particle and will be stopped by a layer of Aluminium foil.Gamma emission is the release of an electromagnetic wave with the highest penetrating power and no relative mass, gamma rays will only be stopped by heavy shielding such as lead or thick concrete.

RL
Answered by Ryan L. Physics tutor

2135 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the definitions of a)voltage and b)current?


A bowling ball is thrown into the alley, having velocity of 3 ms^-1 at the start of the bowling alley. It decelerates at a constant rate, before hitting the skittles at 2 ms^-1 after 4 s A) calculate the acceleration of the ball.


A single wind turbine has a maximum power output of 2 000 000 W. The wind turbine operated continuously at maximum power for 6 hours. Calculate the energy output in kilowatt-hours of the wind turbine.


State the life cycle of a star about the same size of our sun


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning