What does it mean that nuclear radiation is emitted spontaneously?
An unstable nucleus emits radiation without an external trigger.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Physics — Foundation · 6.6.2.3
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What does it mean that nuclear radiation is emitted spontaneously?
An unstable nucleus emits radiation without an external trigger.
What determines the direction in which nuclear radiation is emitted?
The direction is random.
What is an alpha particle, and what is its charge?
A helium nucleus containing two protons and two neutrons, with charge .
What is a beta-minus particle, and what is its charge?
A high-speed electron emitted from the nucleus, with charge .
What is gamma radiation, and what are its charge and rest mass?
High-energy electromagnetic photons with no electric charge or rest mass.
What can ionising radiation do to atoms or molecules?
Remove electrons from them.
How do alpha, beta and gamma radiation rank by ionising effect?
Strongest to weakest: alpha, beta, gamma.
How do alpha, beta and gamma radiation rank by penetrating ability?
Most to least penetrating: gamma, beta, alpha.
How do alpha particles lose energy rapidly in matter?
Through ionisation.