Atoms and Radiation

The basic structure of an atom is a small central composed of and surrounded by .

The atoms of an element always have the same number of , but have a different number of for each isotope.

Some substances give out from the of their atoms all the time, whatever is done to them. These substances are said to be .

There are three types of radiation emitted by radioactive sources:

• alpha (α)
• beta (β)
• gamma (γ)

Alpha radiation consists of nuclei, particles made up of two protons and two neutrons.

Beta radiation consists of high-energy (fast moving) emitted from the nuclei of atoms. For each electron emitted, a in the nucleus becomes a .

Gamma radiation is very wavelength electromagnetic radiation.

Nuclear Equations Worksheet