Radioactive Decay Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Units of Radiation

1. RADIOACTIVE DECAY
Sarbjit
Joan
Mariel
Joel
Kielle

2. Radioactive Decay
The process by which an atomic
nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy
by emitting ionizing particles.

3. Beta
Alpha Decay Gamma
Decay (β) Decay
(α) (γ)
Radioactive
Decay

4. Alpha Decay
Occurs when the nucleus ejects an alpha
particle (helium nucleus).
- This could barely pass through a single sheet of
paper. Deflected as a positive particle in a magnetic
field.

5.  An example of an alpha decay
involves uranium-238:

6. Beta Decay
Is the emission of a beta particle, or
electron, by a radioactive nucleus.
- This can pass through about 3mm of aluminum.
Deflected as a negative particle in a magnetic field.

7.  An example of an beta decay

8. Gamma Decay
It is the release of energy in the form
of high-frequency electromagnetic
waves.
- This can pass can pass through several centimeters
of LEAD! Not deflected in a magnetic field.

9. Units of Radiation
1 gray = 1Gy = 1 J/kg
1 rad = 10ˉ Gy
radiation absorbed
dose

10. Type and Energy of
RBE
Radiation
X-rays 1)
Gamma rays 1
Beta particles (>30 keV) 1
Beta particles (<30 keV) 1.7
Neutrons (<0.02 MeV) 2-5
10 (body),
Neutrons (1-10 MeV)
30 (eyes)
10 (body),
Protons (1-10 MeV)
30 (eyes
Alphas from natural
10-20
radioactivity

11. 1 rem = REB x 1 rad
roentgen equivalent man