Notebook 3

Sammy Puccini

Type of Radiation
Definitions

Properties

Particulate
Include high energy
electrons, protons, and
neutrons that produce
ionization in matter by
direct atomic collisions
Alpha particles: two
protons and two
neutrons, equivalent to a
helium nucleus.
Beta: identical to
electrons except origin

Electromagnetic
produce ionization in matter by
other types of interactions.

x-ray and gamma rays: same

except their origin
photoelectric absorption and
Compton scattering
wave theory: electromagnetic
energy travels through space in the
form of waves, which are
disturbances in a medium. All
waves have a wavelength,
frequency, amplitude, and period
wavelength: distance between two
points on a wave

frequency: number of waves that

pass a particular point in given
time frame

amplitude: intensity of the wave,

height

and period: time required to

complete one cycle of wave

Originate

Alpha: emitted from the

nuclei of very heavy
elements as they
undergo radioactive
decay

Gamma ray emitted by nuclei of

radioactive material
X-rays: man made in x-ray tube

Beta: emitted rom the

nuclei of radioactive
material
Properties of x-rays:
1. Highly penetrating, invisible rays that are a form of electromagnetic radiation
2. Are electrically neutral, not affected by electric or magnetic fields
3. Produced by wide variety of energies and wavelengths
4. Release small amounts of heat passing through matter
5. Travel in straight lines
6. Travel at speed of light in a vacuum (3x10^8)
7. Can ionize matter
8. Cause emission of light in certain crystals
9. Cant be focused by a lens
10. Affect photographic film
11. Produce chemical and biological changes in matter through ionization and excitation
12. Produce secondary and scatter radiation