1. GCSE (1-9) Physics: Radioactivity Alpha, Beta and Gamma

2. FLASHBACK
FLASHBACK: Describe what is meant by infrasound and ultrasound and give an example of a use for each. (6 marks)

3. Objectives:

4. What does RADIOACTIVE mean?
A radioactive atom is one that has an unstable nucleus.
To become stable, energy is released from the nucleus. This is called nuclear or ionising radiation.
Radioactive substances give out radiation all the time, no matter what is done to them. There is no pattern to when this happens, it is random.

5. What happens if an atom loses electrons?
Overall Charge:
Positive (ion)
Neutral
Remember, as an electron is negatively charged, by losing some of this negativity, the atom has become overall more positive

6. What could cause an atom to be ionised (i.e. lose or gain an electron)?

7. What can cause an atom to lose electrons?
Explore
What can cause an atom to lose electrons?

8. (Electromagnetic wave)
Radioactive substances give out radiation all the time, no matter what is done to them. There is no pattern to when this happens, it is random.
There are three different types of radiation:
Beta
Nucleus
(An electron)
Gamma
Alpha
(Electromagnetic wave)
(2 protons, 2 neutrons)

9. ALPHA PARTICLE! Positive (ion) Neutral Overall Charge:
Unstable Element
ALPHA PARTICLE!

10. Positive (ion)
Neutral
Overall Charge:
Unstable Element
BETA PARTICLE!

11. Positive (ion)
Neutral
Overall Charge:
Unstable Element
GAMMA WAVE

12. Tasks NB: ‘penetrant’ means the ability to pass through materials!
Create a hypothesis (prediction) for the experimental question “which type of ionising radiation is most penetrant”
Watch the demonstration
Draw a diagram of the experiment and write your observations.
Demo- comparison of alpha, beta, gamma in terms of radiation activity count using paper/aluminium/gamma
Use your observations to make a conclusion that supports or rejects your hypothesis

13. Penetrance of Radiation
Half thickness Experiment

14. What damage might each one do?
Concept Debate
Compare the risk of exposure to each of the three ionising radiation types.
What damage might each one do?

16. 6 Mark Question
-400BC
Radioactive waste will have some residual activity that releases alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Compare and contrast these types of radiation in terms of their penetrance and ionising ability (6 marks)
antiquarks

17. 6 Mark Question
Radioactive waste will have some residual activity that releases alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Compare and contrast these types of radiation in terms of their penetrance and ionising ability (6 marks)
-400BC
Alpha is the least penetrant
Alpha is stopped by paper
Alpha is the most ionising
Beta can be stopped by aluminium (or gets through paper)
Gamma is the most penetrant
Gamma is the least ionsing
Gamma can only be stopped by thick lead
antiquarks

18. Possible questions on cards
Flash card time – You will need to work out the answers. Check if unsure
Possible questions on cards
What is alpha radiation?
What is beta radiation?
What is gamma radiation?
Why do atoms become radioactive?
Describe the penetrating ability of the 3 types of radiation.
Describe the ionising ability of the 3 types of radiation?

19. Objectives: