Question
Two radioactive sources are used by a teacher. One source emits only alpha particles and the other source emits only beta particles.
(a) Suggest how the sources can be identified.
(b) The teacher also has a source that emits gamma rays.
State two ways in which gamma rays are different from alpha particles.
1.
2.
(c) State an effect of ionising radiation on living things.
Answer/Explanation
Answer:
(a) idea of paper between source and detector OR measuring range (in air) OR pass through an electric or magnetic field
alpha stopped by paper OR larger range in air for beta OR identify deflection when in field
(b) any two from:
gamma travel at the speed of light
gamma rays have no charge
gamma rays have no mass
gamma is a wave OR part of the electromagnetic spectrum gamma less ionising
greater penetration
not deflected by electric or magnetic fields
(c) damages cells / tissues /DNA OR causes (cell) mutations OR radiation sickness