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The nature of α, β and γ Radiation.

Alpha particles consist of two neutrons and two protons (i.e. a helium nucleus) and are positively charged. The range of alpha particles is different from one source to another, but alpha particles from the same source all have the same range and kinetic energy.

Beta particles were proven to be electrons by measuring their deflection in electric and magnetic fields. A nucleus with too many neutrons emits an electron. A nucleus with too many protons emits a positron (anti-electron). β particles have a range of kinetic energies up to a maximum. Beta particles can be stopped by 5mm of aluminium.

Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation which spreads out from the source in all directions and is diffracted in the same way light is diffracted.

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Specification: OCR Physics A (H556), A-level, 6.4.3 Radioactivity. Topic: Radioactivity.

Key terms in this lesson

neutron degeneracy pressure
A quantum pressure arising because neutrons cannot occupy the same quantum state, which supports a neutron star against further gravitational collapse.
pulsar
A rapidly rotating neutron star that emits regular pulses of electromagnetic radiation as its beam sweeps past the Earth.

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