Alpha, Beta and Gamma Rays

1. Reporter: Liezl E. Abellar

6. Difference between Radiation and Radioactivity
Radiation is emitted from radioactive materials.
Radioactivity is the capacity of radioactive materials to emit radiation.

15. Alpha particles
• Consists of 2 neutrons and 2 protons or the nucleus of a Helium atom
• They travel short distances, have large mass
• Only a hazard when inhaled

16. Beta particles
• Consists of electrons
• Emitted from the nucleus when a neutron becomes a proton and vice
versa

17. Gamma Rays
• A form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that travels at the
speed of light, c
• Energy, usually after an alpha, beta or positron transition

20. Comparisons…

22. Ionization
• Ionizing radiation is produced by unstable atoms.
Unstable atoms differ from stable atoms because
they have an excess of energy or mass or both.
• Unstable atoms are said to be radioactive. In
order to reach stability, these atoms give off, or
emit, the excess energy or mass. These
emissions are called radiation.

23. Why Are Some Atoms Radioactive?
•The delicate balance of forces among
particles keeps the nucleus stable. Any
change in the number, the arrangement, or
the energy of the nucleons can upset this
balance and cause the nucleus to become
unstable and create a radioactive atom.
Disruption of electrons close to the nucleus
can also cause an atom to emit radiation.

25. Can Unstable Atoms Become Stable?
•unstable atom trying to gain stability
•it emits radiation and changes into a
different element as the number of
protons changes.
•radioactive decay and it continues until
the forces in the nucleus are balanced
and stable.