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∙ 10y agoGamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles are all forms of ionizing radiation because they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules, creating ions. This ionization process can lead to cell damage and DNA mutations, making these types of radiation hazardous to living organisms.
Paper does not produce radiation on its own. However, paper can shield against some forms of radiation, such as alpha radiation, due to its physical properties.
Alpha radiation is typically the least damaging form of nuclear radiation to humans because it has a low penetration ability and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or skin. However, if alpha-emitting isotopes are ingested or inhaled, they can be harmful.
Alpha and beta radiation are not included in the electromagnetic spectrum because they are composed of particles (alpha particles are helium nuclei, beta particles are electrons or positrons) and not electromagnetic waves like those included in the spectrum (e.g., radio waves, microwaves, visible light). Alpha and beta radiation are forms of nuclear radiation emitted from the decaying nucleus of an atom.
Two types of radiation are electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays and microwaves, which travel in waves at the speed of light; and particle radiation, such as alpha and beta particles, which consist of high-speed particles emitted from a radioactive source.
Gamma radiation is a form of nuclear radiation that consists of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, similar to X-rays. It is highly penetrating and can pose health risks when absorbed by living tissue.
Alpha, Beta and Gamma
The three major forms of emitted radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles are helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons, beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons, and gamma rays are electromagnetic waves of high energy. Each form of radiation has different properties and levels of penetration.
alpha beta gamma
alpha beta gamma
There are three kinds of radiation useful to medical personnel: alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
An particle of alpha-radiation consists of two protons and two neutrons. It is a highly charged particle and is thus highly ionising. It is therefore highly dangerous. Because of its size, it penetrates very little, being stopped even by a thin sheet of paper. The other forms of radiation are beta-radiation and gamma-radiation. Beta-radiation consists of a high-speed electron, whereas gamma-radiation is a high-energy electromagnetic wave.
Paper does not produce radiation on its own. However, paper can shield against some forms of radiation, such as alpha radiation, due to its physical properties.
Alpha radiation is not necessarily the "weakest" radiation. Alpha radiation is the emmanation of helium nuclei, which is two protons and two neutrons. As such, an alpha particle has a mass of 4 and a charge of +2. As a result, it interacts more readily than any of the other forms of radiation. This means that alpha can be stopped with a few inches or air, or even with a sheet of paper. That does not mean, however, that alpha is the least dangerous - if it is ingested, such as into the lungs, it will be in close proximity to sensitive tissues, making it one of the most dangerous forms of radiation. Its penetrating power is certainly the least, but, "weakest", not by a long shot.
In this case alpha particles are emitted.
Ionizing radiation includes alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. These forms of radiation have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms and molecules, resulting in the formation of ions.
Lead-208 is formed by alpha decay (emission of alpha particles) from polonium-212.
Alpha radiation is typically the least damaging form of nuclear radiation to humans because it has a low penetration ability and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or skin. However, if alpha-emitting isotopes are ingested or inhaled, they can be harmful.