Ionizing radiation beta particles

Ionizing radiation Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma photons, which are all able to strip electrons from atoms as they move through matter, leaving ions in their wake. 

Describe the origin and characteristics of the following forms of ionizing radiation Alpha particles Beta particles Gamma rays X-rays... 

Radionuclides differ from other nuclei in that they emit ionizing radiation—alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. The most massive of these emissions is the alpha particle, a helium nucleus of atomic mass 4, consisting of two neutrons and two protons. The symbol for an alpha particle is shown as the product of Reaction 4.10. An example of alpha production is found in the radioactive decay of uranium-238 ... 

The numerical combination of protons and neutrons in most nuclides is such that the nucleus is quantum mechanically stable and the atom is said to be stable, i.e., not radioactive however, if there are too few or too many neutrons, the nucleus is unstable and the atom is said to be radioactive. Unstable nuclides undergo radioactive transformation, a process in which a neutron or proton converts into the other and a beta particle is emitted, or else an alpha particle is emitted. Each type of decay is typically accompanied by the emission of gamma rays. These unstable atoms are called radionuclides their emissions are called ionizing radiation and the whole property is called radioactivity. Transformation or decay results in the formation of new nuclides some of which may themselves be radionuclides, while others are stable nuclides. This series of transformations is called the decay chain of the radionuclide. The first radionuclide in the chain is called the parent the subsequent products of the transformation are called progeny, daughters, or decay products. 

Gamma radiation has a very high penetrating power. A small fraction of the original stream will pass through several feet of concrete or several meters of air. The specific ionization of a gamma is low compared to that of an alpha particle, but is higher than that of a beta particle. 

Gas-filled detectors are used, for the most part, to measure alpha and beta particles, neutrons, and gamma rays. The detectors operate in the ionization, proportional, and G-M regions with an arrangement most sensitive to the type of radiation being measured. Neutron detectors utilize ionization chambers or proportional counters of appropriate design. Compensated ion chambers, BF3 counters, fission counters, and proton recoil counters are examples of neutron detectors. 

Radiation (ionizing) Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, and other particles capable of producing ions does not include nonionizing radiation forms such as radio waves, microwaves, or visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light. 

X-rays, or gamma rays generated by nuclear decay. Ionizing radiation also includes several types of subatomic particles, such as beta radiation (high-energy electrons) and alpha radiation (helium ions) and others. Medical X-rays are an example of a common beneficial exposure to ionizing radiation. Nuclear radiation is used to generate electricity and cure disease, but is also an important element in military weapons. Uses of nuclear radiation pose serious issues of human exposure and environmental contamination. 

Ionizing radiation is divided into alpha and beta particles and gamma rays. Each has its unique characteristics, which require different safety approaches. In general, the more radiation exposure a person receives, the greater the likelihood of cancer. 

Molecules of a labeled protein may be also degraded during interactions of radiation emitted by adjacent molecules in the preparation. The interaction of a beta particle or a gamma quantum with a protein molecule produces various ionizations and even disruption of chemical bonds. The number of different fragments generated increases with die complexity of the original molecule, but the concentration of each remains negligible. The loss of the labeled compound due to this process is much lower than that due to the radioactive decay process. 

Ionizing radiation loses energy by producing ion pairs (an electron and a positively charged atom). About 33.85 eV is needed to produce an ion pair. This is twice the energy needed for ionization, which is lost in the ion pair formation. Alpha and beta particles and gamma rays lose energy in somewhat different ways (Harley 2001, Harley 2008). 

---