Katie's+Page

**ALPHA PARTICLES**

Alpha particles are a helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons It has a positive 2 charge and is about 8000 times as heavy as an electron Emitted when heavy nuclides are decayed ex/ uranium, radon, radium Shielded by outer layer of skin--> they ionizes easily so even air shields alpha particles from penetrating


 * BETA PARTICLES**

Beta particles are high speed electrons! Emitted with a neutrino which shares total available energy Their excess energy causes harm to living cells Strontium emits beta particles Can travel several meters in air but is easily shielded with 2-3 mm/0.08-0.1 of aluminum


 * GAMMA RAYS**

Composed of very high energy photons Generated by radioactive atoms and in nuclear explosion Capable of killing human cells They have no mass and no electrical charge--> pure electromagnetic energy.

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/glossary/

www.deq.idaho.gov