NUCLEAR

RADIATION:
ALPHA, BETA & GAMMA
THE
INTRODUCTIoN
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, students will identify;

1. What is Nuclear Radiations: Alpha, Beta, Gamma;

and

2. Identify The Uses & application, properties, the

effect on human and living things,
NUCLEAR
RADIATION:

ICE BREAKER
ICE BREAKER
Activity Directions: For each statement I
read, you will decide whether it is true or
false. If you believe the statement is true,
raise a red card. If you believe the
statement is false, raise a green card. You
will only given 5 seconds for each
questions.
Question 1:
Alpha radiation is the most
penetrating type of radiation.

(Don’t pressure your self!)

Question 2:
Beta particles can pass
through paper but are
stopped by a thin sheet of
aluminum.
(Don’t pressure your self!)
Question 3:
Gamma rays are a type of
electromagnetic radiation
with no charge and no mass.

(Don’t pressure your self!)

Question 4:
Beta particles are more
ionizing than alpha particles.

(Don’t pressure your self!)

What Is Nuclear Radiation?

Nuclear Radiation is the release of particles, like

photons, that occurs during reactions involving the
nucleus of an atom. This type of radiation is also
known as ionizing radiation. Nuclear radiation
refers to the particles or electromagnetic waves
emitted from the nucleus of an unstable atom.
These unstable atoms undergo radioactive decay,
releasing energy in the form of radiation as they try
to become more stable.
Take note:

The ability of radiation to damage molecules is analyzed

in terms of what is called ionizing power.

The ability of each type of radiation to pass through

matter is expressed in terms of penetration
power. The more material the radiation can pass
through, the greater the penetration power and the
more dangerous it is. In general, the greater mass
present, the greater the ionizing power, and the lower
the penetration power.
Nuclear Radiation has Three Types, namely:

1. Alpha particles (α )
2. Beta particles (β)
3. Gamma rays (γ)

These particles were named using the first three

letters of the Greek alphabet.
 α( )
1. Alpha particles

According to Arpansa, Alpha particles are relatively

slow and heavy compared with other forms of nuclear
radiation. Alpha particles (a) are composite particles
consisting of two protons and two neutrons tightly
bound together into a particle identical to a helium-4
nucleus. They are generally produced in the process of
alpha decay but may also be produced in other ways.
 α( )
1. Alpha particles

According to Arpansa, Alpha particles are relatively

slow and heavy compared with other forms of nuclear
radiation. Alpha particles (a) are composite particles
consisting of two protons and two neutrons tightly
bound together into a particle identical to a helium-4
nucleus. They are generally produced in the process of
alpha decay but may also be produced in other ways.
Alpha particles Properties

Alpha rays are the positively charged particles. These

particles have the minimum penetration power and
highest ionization power. They can cause serious
damage if get into the body due to their high ionization
power. They are capable of ionizing numerous atoms by
a short distance. It is due to the fact that the radioactive
substances that release alpha particles are required to
be handled after wearing rubber gloves.
What are Alpha Rays Used for?

• They are used in smoke detectors.

• They are used in providing power to spacecrafts.
• They are used in oil industry.
• They are used in medical field to provide power to heart
pacemakers.
The EFFECT ON HUMAN & LIVING THINGS:

Alpha particles have low penetration power and generally

pose minimal risk from external exposure, as they can be
stopped by skin or paper. However, if ingested or inhaled
by living organisms, they can cause significant harm.
Inside the body, alpha particles can ionize cells,
leading to DNA damage and increasing the risk of
cancer. They can also cause localized damage and
inflammation in sensitive tissues, such as those in the
lungs and digestive tract. Prolonged exposure to alpha-
emitting materials can adversely affect the health of plants
and animals, leading to cellular damage and potentially
disrupting ecosystems.
2. Beta particles (β)
Beta particles are much smaller than alpha particles and
therefore, have much less ionizing power (less ability to
damage tissue), but their small size gives them much
greater penetration power. A beta particle, also called beta
ray or beta radiation (symbol β), is a high-energy, high-
speed electron or positron emitted by the radioactive decay
of an atomic nucleus, known as beta decay. There are two
forms of beta decay, β− decay and β+ decay, which produce
electrons and positrons, respectively.
Beta particles Properties

Charge: Beta-minus particles are negatively charged,

while beta-plus particles are positively charged.

Mass: Beta particles have very low mass compared to

alpha particles.

Penetrating Power: Beta particles can penetrate

materials better than alpha particles but are less
penetrating than gamma rays. They can pass through
paper but are usually stopped by plastic or a few
millimeters of aluminum.
What are Beta Used for?

• thickness detectors for the quality control of thin materials

i.e. paper
• treatment of eye and bone cancers, strontium-90 or
strontium-89 are commonly used
• Tritium is used in some phosphorescent lighting typically
for emergency lighting as it requires no power
• Fluorine-18 is commonly used as a tracer for positron
emission tomography (PET).
The EFFECT ON HUMAN & LIVING THINGS:

Skin Damage: Beta particles can penetrate the outer layer of

skin, potentially causing burns and tissue damage,
particularly with high doses or prolonged exposure.

Internal Contamination: If beta-emitting materials are

ingested or inhaled, they can irradiate internal organs,
leading to cellular damage and increasing the risk of cancer.

Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure to beta radiation is

associated with an increased risk of various cancers,
especially if the source is internalized.
The EFFECT ON HUMAN & LIVING THINGS:

Acute Radiation Syndrome: High levels of beta radiation

exposure in a short period can lead to acute radiation
syndrome, characterized by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and in
severe cases, death.

Effects on Living Things:

Ecosystem Impact: Beta radiation can harm plant life,

affecting growth, reproduction, and overall health. This can
disrupt entire ecosystems.
The EFFECT ON HUMAN & LIVING THINGS:

Animal Health: Animals exposed to beta radiation can suffer

from genetic mutations, reproductive issues, and increased
mortality rates, impacting populations and biodiversity.

Food Chain: Contamination of plants and animals can lead to

bioaccumulation, where radioactive materials build up in
organisms, affecting predators higher up in the food chain
3. Gamma Rays (γ)
Gamma rays are not particles, but a high energy form of
electromagnetic radiation (like x-rays, except more
powerful). Gamma rays are energy that has no mass or
charge. Gamma rays have tremendous penetration power
and require several inches of dense material (like lead) to
shield them. Gamma rays may pass all the way through a
human body without striking anything. They are considered
to have the least ionizing power and the greatest
penetration power.
Gamma particles Properties

gamma - rays are electromagnetic waves of short

wavelength and high frequency. The wavelength of gamma -
rays range from 0.005 Angstrom to 0.5 Angstrom. They
travel with velocity of light and are not charged particles like
alpha or beta rays. They produce fluorescence effect on a
photographic plate. They ionize gas they travel through but
the ionization produced is very small. They are highly
penetrating rays and they are even penetrative than alpha
and beta particle. For instance, gamma - rays can even pass
through 30cm thick iron. gamma - rays are not affected by
electric or magnetic field. They are diffracted by crystals just
like X-ray
What are Gamma Rays Used for?

• smoke detectors for households

• measurement of soil moisture-density at construction sites
• sterilisation of medical equipment in hospitals
• And more
The EFFECT ON HUMAN & LIVING THINGS:

Effects on Humans:

Cell Damage: Gamma rays can ionize atoms and molecules

in human cells, leading to DNA damage and increasing the
risk of mutations and cancer.
Acute Radiation Sickness: High doses of gamma radiation
can cause acute radiation sickness, characterized by
symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and, in severe
cases, death.
Long-Term Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to gamma
rays can result in chronic health issues, including cancer,
organ damage, and other serious conditions.
The EFFECT ON HUMAN & LIVING THINGS:

Effects on Living Things:

Damage to Ecosystems: Gamma radiation can disrupt

biological processes in plants and animals, affecting growth,
reproduction, and overall ecosystem health.
Impact on Microorganisms: It can alter the genetic
material of microorganisms, affecting their survival and
function in ecosystems.
Bioaccumulation: Gamma-emitting isotopes can
accumulate in living organisms, potentially leading to harmful
effects as they move through the food chain.
QUESTIONS
CLARIFICATION
&
S
Don’t hesitate to ask!
The name gamma rays specifically refers to the type of
radiation based on its nature and origin.

Here's the breakdown:

Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation (like

light, but with much higher energy). They are not particles
but energy waves, and that's why they’re called "rays"
instead of particles. Gamma rays come from the nucleus
of an atom during radioactive decay when the nucleus
drops to a lower energy state.
How does radioactive decay work?

Radioactive decay happens when an

unstable atom’s nucleus releases energy
in the form of particles or radiation. This
release helps the atom move towards a
more stable state. Over time, the atom
transforms into a different element, and the
process continues until stability is reached.
Why are some atoms unstable?

Atoms become unstable when they have an

imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons
in their nucleus. If there are too many protons or
neutrons, the nucleus becomes energetically
unstable and eventually undergoes radioactive
decay to achieve a more stable arrangement.
Quiz 8:
Direction: In a clean ½ crosswise,
select and provide the most accurate
answer. No erasures are allowed.
Question 1:
What are alpha particles composed of?

A) Electrons
B) Protons
C) Helium nuclei
D) Neutrons
E) Both A, B, & D
Question 2:
It refers to the emission of particles, such as
photons, that takes place during nuclear reactions
involving an atom's nucleus

A) Alpha particles
B) Electrons, Protons, and Neutron
C) Beta particles
D) Nuclear Radiation
E) Penetrating power
Question 3:
What is the penetration ability of alpha particles?

A) High
B) Moderate
C) Low
D) Very high
Question 4:
The wavelength of this, range from 0.005 Angstrom
to 0.5 Angstrom.

Provide the correct answer.

Question 5:

When this materials are ingested or inhaled, they

can irradiate internal organs, leading to cellular
damage and increasing the risk of cancer.

Provide the correct answer.

Question 6:
Which type of radiation has the highest penetrating
power?

Provide the correct answer.

Question 7:

The ability of radiation to damage molecules is analyzed in

terms of what is called…

A) Alpha particles
B) Ionizing Power
C) Beta particles
Question 8:

The ability of each type of radiation to pass through matter is

expressed in terms of…

A) Passing ability
B) penetration Power
C) Beta particles
Question 9-10:
In your own words, briefly identify what is Nuclear
radiation.

Provide the correct answer.