Random Nature of Radioactive Decay Simplified Revision Notes for GCSE AQA Physics Combined Science

Revision notes with simplified explanations to understand Random Nature of Radioactive Decay quickly and effectively.

Learn about Atoms & Nuclear Radiation for your GCSE Physics Combined Science Exam. This Revision Note includes a summary of Atoms & Nuclear Radiation for easy recall in your Physics Combined Science exam

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4.2.4 Random Nature of Radioactive Decay

Range, Penetrating Power, and Ionising Power

Range in Air

Alpha Particles:
- Large and can travel around 5 cm in the air before they collide with air particles and stop.
Beta Particles:
- Can travel further; they can reach about 15 cm in the air before stopping.
Gamma Radiation:
- Travels several meters in the air before stopping.

Penetrating Power

Alpha Particles:
- Stopped by a single sheet of paper.
Beta Particles:
- Stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium.
Gamma Radiation:
- Stopped by several centimetres of lead.

Ionising Power

When radiation collides with atoms, it can cause the atoms to lose electrons and form ions.
Alpha Particles:
- Very strongly ionising.
Beta Particles:
- Quite strongly ionising.
Gamma Radiation:
- Weakly ionising.

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