Types of Radio-isotopic Radiation
4 main types viz.
4 main types viz.
- alpha
- beta
- gamma
- neutrons.
- Alpha radiation -
- These are positively charged particles, with 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
- Large particles, so they have limited penetrating power.
- If internalized, they can cause significant cellular damage.
- Beta radiation -
- Negatively charged particles consisting of electrons.
- Penetrating power depends on their energy.
- A good example is radioactive iodine released in nuclear plant accidents.
- They can cause a burn (similar to a thermal burn and is treated as such)
- Gamma rays and x-rays (both photons) -
- Gamma rays are uncharged electromagnetic radiation discharged from a nucleus as a wave or photons of energy.
- X-rays are the product of abrupt mechanical deceleration of electrons striking a heavy target such as tungsten.
- Both travel easily through matter, high penetrating power.
- Neutron particles -
- These are heavy and uncharged, often emitted during nuclear detonation.
- Ability to penetrate tissues is variable, depending on their energy.
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