Nuclear radiation is emitted from unstable isotopes and can be alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.
(i) State the relative electrical charge of a beta (β−\beta^-β−) particle. (ii) Describe the nature of gamma (γ\gammaγ) radiation.
(i) Write the three types of radiation (α\alphaα, β\betaβ, γ\gammaγ) in order of increasing penetrating power. (ii) State two safety precautions that a scientist should take when handling radioactive sources in a laboratory to minimize their radiation exposure.
Complete the table below to show whether each type of radiation is stopped or goes through the given absorber. Use the terms 'stopped' or 'goes through'.
| Type of radiation | 0.1 cm paper | 0.5 cm aluminium | 5 cm lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha radiation | stopped | ||
| Beta radiation | stopped | ||
| Gamma radiation | goes through |
State the name of another device (other than photographic film or film badges) that can be used to detect nuclear radiation.