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Radiation

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Affects Geiger counter. Affects other detector types. Types of Radiation ... Alpha particles can be detected by the Geiger counter. Alpha Particle Radiation ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Radiation


1
Radiation
  • What is it?

2
Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Radiation resulting from excitation of electrons
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Energy is radiated in numerous levels (frequency
    and wavelength) that can be detected
  • Nucleus is not involved

3
Nuclear Radiation
  • Nuclear means of the nucleus
  • Natural radioactivity results from instability in
    the nucleus
  • Nucleus is made up of protons and neutrons
  • Protons are positively charged, trying to repel
    each other
  • Nucleus is held together by the Strong Nuclear
    Force
  • Very powerful, able to overcome repulsion, but
    only the size of a nucleus

4
Nuclear Radiation II
  • All elements with atomic number above 82 (lead)
    are naturally unstable and radioactive
  • They seek stability, and eject high energy
    particles and energy that can be detected.
  • Nuclear radiation is spontaneous and irreversible
    (one-way, one-time event)

5
Detecting Nuclear Radiation
  • Fogs photographic film (how was first discovered)
  • Affects Geiger counter
  • Affects other detector types

6
Types of Radiation
  • Alpha particles (a) 2 p and 2 n
  • A helium nucleus
  • Emission of an alpha particle changes the
    identity of the atom
  • 92U ? a 90Th
  • Alpha particles can be detected by the Geiger
    counter

7
Alpha Particle Radiation
  • Least powerful type of radiation
  • Can be stopped by paper or skin
  • Dangerous if inhaled or swallowed
  • (lungs and GI tract have no skin)
  • Causes ionization of atoms which make up cells
  • If particle attacks cell nuclei, can cause change
    in genetic information (mutation)
  • Can cause rapid undifferentiated growth of cells
    (tumors)
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