Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation

Since an a particle (He nucleus) has 2 protons and 2 neutrons, an atom undergoing a decay must decrease in mass number by 4 units and in atomic number by 2 units. Thus, for the disintegration of U238  

When a nucleus undergoes decay, its mass number (but not its mass) 

Note that if the atomic number of the beta particle is considered —1 and its atomic mass number 0, both atomic numbers and atomic mass numbers balance in the above equation, as is the case with equation (1). The net effect of the transformation is the conversion of a neutron in the nucleus to a proton and an electron, the latter being ejected Although the net reaction in such cases is generally clear, the path by which such a conversion occurs still causes consternation among theoretical physicists. 

This reaction is sometimes termed an isomeric transition, and the two forms of Sr87 involved are said to be nuclear isomers. (They have the same atomic numbers and mass numbers but slightly different masses.) 

There are a number of ways in which radiations ejected from radioactive materials are detected. They may darken photographic emulsions, they may produce visible tracks of condensation on passing through super- 

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Cancer is the major latent harmful effect produced by ionizing radiation and the one that most people exposed to radiation are concerned about. The ability of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation to produce cancer in virtually every tissue and organ in laboratory animals has been well-demonstrated. The development of cancer is not an immediate effect. In humans, radiation-induced leukemia has the shortest latent period at 2 years, while other radiation induced cancers have latent periods >20 years. The mechanism by which cancer is induced in living cells is complex and is a topic of intense study. Exposure to ionizing radiation can produce cancer at any site within the body however, some sites appear to be more common than others, such as the breast, lung, stomach, and thyroid. 

To a limited degree, the fill-gas will determine what type of radiation the proportional counter will be able to detect. Argon and helium are the most frequently used fill gases and allow for the detection of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. When detection of neutrons is necessary, the detectors are usually filled with boron-triflouride gas. 

Although the devices outlined above are the most commonly used for evaluating total alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, other methods and other devices can be used. In addition, local conditions (i.e., temperature, humidity) or the properties of the specific radionuclides emitting the radiation may make other types of devices or other methods more optimal to achieve the goals of the survey than the devices noted above. There, experts or individual vendors should be consulted to determine the appropriate measurement device for any specific application. 

Use nuclear power, medical X-rays, medical diagnostics, scientific research, cancer treatment, cathode ray tube displays Source radon, X-rays, radioactive materials produce alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, cosmic rays from the sun and space Recommended daily intake none (not essential)... 

Radioactive material producing alpha, beta, and gamma radiation (laboratory workers, hospital workers, patients)... 

The inherent radioactive characteristics of the spent nuclear fuel condition determine many of the key processes to be studied. Owing to its energy content, spent fuel relaxes by transferring alpha, beta, and gamma radiation to water when contacting it. This originates what is known as radiolysis reactions. The key processes occurring at the spent fuel water interface are depicted in Fig. 8. 

When an atom of any of these five isotopes decays, it emits an alpha particle (the nucleus of a helium atom) and transforms into a radioactive isotope of another element. The process continues through a series of radionuclides until reaching a stable, non-radioactive isotope of lead. The radionuclides in these transformation series (such as radium and radon), emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiations with energies and intensities that are unique to the individual radionuclide. 

Examples of reactions proceeding during stellar nucleosynthesis are shown in Table 1. To illustrate the sequence of events, the decay series of uranium-238 is depicted in this table. Radiogenic nuclides decay by the emission of alpha, beta and gamma radiation or by electron capture into so called daughter nuclides at their half-lives. This half-life ranges from parts of seconds to billions of years. 

The ADM-300 MFR replaces the PAC-IS, AN/PDR 27, AN/PDR 43, and AN/PDR 56 series radiation, detection and computation (RADIAC) instruments. The ADM-300 MFR is used to monitor and detect high and low intensities of radiation from radiological accidents and wartime levels of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. The ADM300 MFR is available for worldwide mobility and is available at all U. S. Air Force installations. 

A decay chain can also contain a combination of alpha, beta and gamma radiation and not just beta radiation... 

Alpha Particles Beta Particles Gamma Rays Properties of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation... 

Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation have widespread use in the field of medicine. Other radiation particles, such as neutrinos and deuterons, will not be discussed here. 

Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation are collectively termed ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation produces a trail of ions throughout the material that it penetrates. The ionization process changes the chemical composition of the material. When the material is living tissue, radiation-induced illness may result (Section 10.7). 

Enumerate the characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. 

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