What is alpha beta gamma decay?

The radioactive decay products we will discuss here are alpha, beta, and gamma, ordered by their ability to penetrate matter. Alpha denotes the largest particle, and it penetrates the least. Beta particles are high energy electrons. Gamma rays are waves of electromagnetic energy, or photons.

What is the strongest emission from a nuclear reaction?

Alpha particles
Alpha particles have approximately four times the mass of a proton or neutron and approximately 8,000 times the mass of a beta particle. Because of the large mass of the alpha particle, it has the highest ionizing power and the greatest ability to damage tissue.

What are the 2 types of nuclear reactions?

The two general kinds of nuclear reactions are nuclear decay reactions and nuclear transmutation reactions. In a nuclear decay reaction, also called radioactive decay, an unstable nucleus emits radiation and is transformed into the nucleus of one or more other elements.

What happens to alpha particles in a nuclear explosion?

In a nuclear explosion or some sort of nuclear accident, where radioactive emitters are spread around in the environment, the emitters can be inhaled or taken in with food or water and once the alpha emitter is inside you, you have no protection at all.

What kind of gamma rays are emitted in alpha decay?

In the alpha decay of U -238, two gamma rays of different energies are emitted in addition to the alpha particle. Virtually all of the nuclear reactions in this chapter also emit gamma rays, but for simplicity the gamma rays are generally not shown.

Which is the result of fission and fusion?

Fission reactions are done in in a reactor to contain the extreme amounts of energy produced. A nuclear bomb is the result of this reaction in an unrestrained environment. Nuclear fusion is the combination of small nuclei into larger nuclei which releases large amounts of energy.

How to minimize exposure to alpha decay radiation?

It is impossible to completely avoid ionizing radiation, so the next best goal is to be exposed to as little as possible. The two best ways to minimize exposure are to limit time of exposure, and to increase distance from the source. The nuclear disintegration process that emits alpha particles is called alpha decay.