Unstable nuclei

If an atomic nucleus does not change or break down, we say that it is stable. Most nuclei are

stable. However, some atomic nuclei are unstable and may change or break down. When this
happens, they emit particles or rays, including:

 alpha particles
 beta particles
 neutrons
 electromagnetic radiation as gamma rays
Substances containing unstable atoms are described as radioactive. The particles or rays they
give off are types of radiation.

Types of radiation

The table shows some features of the four main types of radiation:

Unstable nuclei

If an atomic nucleus does not change or break down, we say that it is stable. Most nuclei are

stable. However, some atomic nuclei are unstable and may change or break down. When this
happens, they emit particles or rays, including:

 alpha particles
 beta particles
 neutrons
 electromagnetic radiation as gamma rays
Substances containing unstable atoms are described as radioactive. The particles or rays they
give off are types of radiation.
Types of radiation

The table shows some features of the four main types of radiation:

Penetrating properties

Radiation can be absorbed by substances in its path. For example, alpha radiation travels only a few
centimetres in air, beta radiation travels tens of centimetres in air, and gamma radiation travels very
large distances.

All types of radiation become less intense as they travel further away from the radioactive material. This
is because the particles or rays become more spread
out. The thicker the substance, the more the radiation is
absorbed.

Alpha, beta and gamma radiations penetrate materials

in different ways.

Alpha radiation

Alpha radiation is the least penetrating. It can be

stopped (or absorbed) by a sheet of paper or a human
hand.

Beta radiation

Beta radiation can penetrate air and paper. It can be

stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium.

Gamma radiation

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating. It can penetrate air, paper or thin metal. It may only be
stopped by many centimetres of lead or many metres of concrete.