Physics·Nuclear Physics · NSSCO 6.2.1-6.2.3
Radioactivity: safety, detection & the three emissions
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Some nuclei are unstable, and they break down all by themselves — that is radioactivity. In this lesson we find out what that really means, how we detect radiation we cannot see, the background radiation that surrounds us, how to stay safe, and we get to know the three emissions — alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) — their nature, ionising power, how far they penetrate, and how they bend in electric and magnetic fields.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Physics 6.2.1-6.2.3):
- Describe radioactivity as the spontaneous, random decay of unstable nuclei, occurring randomly over space and time
- Describe how radioactivity is detected (Geiger–Müller tube, photographic film and cloud chamber)
- Describe the existence and major causes of background radiation
- Describe how radioactive materials are handled, used and stored safely, and the dangers of ionising radiation
- Describe the nature, relative charge and mass of alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions
- Compare the relative ionising effects and penetrating abilities of the three emissions (paper, aluminium, lead)
- Describe the deflection of the three emissions in electric and magnetic fields
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