Question

The electromagnetic radiation that is emitted during radioactive disintegration is

Answer 1

Alpha particles are massive, highly energetic fragments emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom when the neutron to proton ratio is too low. It is a positively charged helium nucleus, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. Gamma rays (energy of very short wavelength) are also released in this type of atomic disintegration. Alpha particles, due to their size, have a very limited ability to penetrate matter, including clothing and skin. Exposure to alpha radiation from external sources poses a minimal radiation hazard. However alpha particles may cause severe damage to cells when deposited internally and therefore ingestion, injection or inhalation is extremely hazardous.

Beta particles are electrons ejected from beta-unstable radioactive atoms. The particle has a single negative electrical charge (-1.6 x 10-19 C) and a very small mass (5.5 X 10-4 amu). Beta decay occurs in those isotopes that have a surplus of neutrons and are emitted when neutrons disintegrate into protons. Beta particles do not penetrate the body core but can produce significant radiation damage to the skin and eyes.

Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiations that are emitted from the nuclei of excited atoms following radioactive transformations. Following alpha or beta decay processes, gamma emission is the mechanism by which a nucleus loses energy in going from a high energy excited state to a low energy stable state. X-rays are electromagnetic radiations generated outside the atomic nucleus. Both X-rays and gamma rays are highly penetrating and can produce whole body radiation doses.

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