10 Atomic physics

background radiation
radon gas

Radiation
α β γ
alpha beta gamma

buildings and
food and
drink the ground ionisation

cosmic artificial
rays sources penetration

5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity 5.2.2 Characteristics of the three kinds of emission

Radioactive decay

α A
Z X A–4
Z–2 W + 42 α Types of emission and dangers
t1/2 t1/2 t1/2
half-life

β
10 g
A
X A
Y + 0
β

activity
γ
Z Z+1 –1

5g

nuclear equations
time
Types of emission and dangers

5.2.3 Radioactive decay 5.2.4 Half-life

time distance shielding

proton

α
+

neutron +

+
electron
CAUTION
IONISING
RADIATION
Nuclear equations

Nuclear particles

5.2.5 Safety precautions 5.1.1 Atomic model

nucleon number
1
H
7
Li element symbol
3
2
H
proton number

5.1.2 Nucleus

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