Physics.nature of emission of radiation from atoms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of radiation emitted from atomic nuclei, specifically alpha, beta, and gamma rays. Participants explore various characteristics of these types of radiation, including their ionizing power, penetrating power, and responses to magnetic and electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Philip, a student, seeks clarification on the characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, specifically regarding ionizing power, penetrating power, and effects in magnetic and electric fields.
  • One participant suggests that it is difficult to find comprehensive information on this topic in a single source and provides links to external resources such as Wikipedia and the Particle Data Group.
  • Another participant questions whether the inquiry might relate to electromagnetic radiation or electron states.
  • In response, a participant clarifies that alpha rays are helium nuclei, beta rays are electrons, and gamma rays are a different form of radiation, noting their varying penetration abilities and ionizing power.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the specifics of the characteristics of the radiation types, as participants provide differing levels of detail and focus on various aspects of the question. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the characteristics of radiation types are made without detailed explanations or references to specific definitions, leaving certain assumptions and conditions unaddressed.

philip_pc
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Physics...nature of emission of radiation from atoms

Hi everyone i am a Yr 11 student studying physics and i recently got an assignment that consists of a question that i cannot find thouroughly on the internet...hopeing people of this forum can help me...

my question is:
------------------------------------------------------------
describe the nature of emission from the nuclei of atoms as radiation of alpha, beta, and gamma rays in terms of:
- ionising power
- penetrating power
- effect of magnetic field
- effect of electric field
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hope you can help me answer this question...if possible and there is a site just post the link here and i will look in it myself but if not could someone please explain how to answer this question either in this forum or send me an email with the subject "PHYSICS"

thanks in advance
Regards:
Philip
 
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Maybe it means electromagnetic radiation? Electron states?
 
reply

thanks peoples for your help...i have more than enough now...all thanks 2 ur help
 
Originally posted by russ_watters
Maybe it means electromagnetic radiation? Electron states?

No it's just three different types of radiation. Alpha rays are helium nuclei. Beta rays are electrons and you already know what a Gamma ray is. They have different ranges, penetration power (for example Alpha rays do not penetrate the skin, Gamma rays do.) As for ionizing power I guess some rays are more potent than others.
 

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