Types+of+Radiation


 * Three types of nuclear radiation are:**

> **Types of Nuclear Radiation** Alpha, Beta and Gamma are the three types of nuclear radiation. When a radioisotopes emits radiation, it usually transforms into another element. This means that it went through a process called radioactive decay. One way in which radioactive nuclei can get smaller and more stable is by throwing out a cluster of two protons and two neutrons. This cluster is known as an alpha particle (its symbol is α ) but it really just a helium nucleus. Uranium-238 emits an alpha particle and it decays into thorium-234 which is shown in the figure below:
 * ALPHA RADIATION **

When Uranium-238 decays, it turns into thorium-234 and an alpha particle. When we add the mass numbers and atomic numbers of both products, it should equal to the mass number and the atomic number of the radioactive nuclei. There for if we had Thorium-234's mass number (which is 234) and add the alpha particle's mass number (which is 4) it should add up to the Uranium-238's mass number (which is 238). Same goes for the atomic number.

Contrast the speeds and penetrating abilities of the three radiation types.
Identify the type of nuclear radiation that: a is the same as in a helium nucleus b can pass through paper but not aluminium c is not made of particles d requires the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron. e is the product of nuclear fission.