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Ionizing Radiation
Ionization Defined Radiation capable for producing ions when interacting with matter in other words enough energy to remove an electron from an atom. Sources x-rays, radioactive material produce alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, cosmic rays from the sun and space.
Ionizing Radiation
Paper Wood Concrete
Energy
Alpha Beta
Low
Medium
Gamma
High
Radioactive Material
Either natural or created in nuclear reactor or accelerator Radioactive material is unstable and emits energy in order to return to a more stable state (particles or gamma-rays) Half-life time for radioactive material to decay by one-half
Alpha Particles
Two neutrons and two protons Charge of +2 Emitted from nucleus of radioactive atoms Transfer energy in very short distances (10 cm in air) Shielded by paper or layer of skin Primary hazard from internal exposure Alpha emitters can accumulate in tissue (bone, kidney, liver, lung, spleen) causing local damage
Beta Particles
Small electrically charged particles similar to electrons Charge of -1 Ejected from nuclei of radioactive atoms Emitted with various kinetic energies Shielded by wood, body penetration 0.2 to 1.3 cm depending on energy Can cause skin burns or be an internal hazard of ingested
Gamma-rays
Electromagnetic photons or radiation (identical to x-rays except for source) Emitted from nucleus of radioactive atoms spontaneous emission Emitted with kinetic energy related to radioactive source Highly penetrating extensive shielding required Serious external radiation hazard
The Coulomb force between the negative electrons and the positive protons keeps the electron in orbit. Without this electric force the electron would fly off into space.
Nuclear binding force is strong enough to overcome the electrical repulsion between the positively charged protons
Radioactivity
The amount of activity of any radionuclide may be expressed as the number of decays per unit time. Common units for measuring radioactivity are the
curie (after Marie Curie) or the newer SI unit, the becquerel (after another
nuclear pioneer, Henri Becquerel). One becquerel is defined as one radioactive decay per second.