8.

5 The Cosmic Engine

1. Radioactive Emissions
- Radioactive refers to the breakdown of an atom by the emissions of alpha
and/or beta and gamma rays.
- The nuclei of many elements' atoms are unstable. To achieve stability, the
elements release energy in the form of alpha particles () [42 He], beta particles
() particles [0+1e) and/or gamma () rays [high frequency electromagnetic
radiation]. These are called radioactive nuclei.
- However, most nuclei are stable within atoms of an element.
Properties
Alpha ()
Beta ()
Gamma ()
4
0
Nature of
Very high
2 He (a helium
-1 e (an electron)
emission.
nucleus)
frequency
electromagnetic
radiation.
Charge
+2
-1
Zero 0
Penetrating power Low - can only
Medium - can
High - can
- the ability to
penetrate several
penetrate about
penetrate several
penetrate through centimetres of air
one metre of air.
centimetres of
a material before
and are stopped
lead.
being stopped.
by a sheet of
paper.
Ionising power High
Medium
Low
the ability to
knock electrons
from the atoms as
it penetrates a
material.
Effect on
Very small
Large
Zero 0.
electric/magnetic
fields. (Deflection
occurs).