How does beta radiation affect the body?
Beta particles are capable of penetrating the skin and causing radiation damage, such as skin burns. As with alpha emitters, beta emitters are most hazardous when they are inhaled or swallowed or absorbed into the blood stream through wounds.
Which of the following describes a beta particle?
Beta particles (β) are high energy, high speed electrons (β-) or positrons (β+) that are ejected from the nucleus by some radionuclides during a form of radioactive decay called beta-decay. Beta-decay normally occurs in nuclei that have too many neutrons to achieve stability.
What does beta radiation do to cells?
As an example of ionization, beta rays are fast electrons that lose energy as they pass through cells and interact with molecules. The transferred energy is high enough to disrupt chemical bonds, which results in radical formation (or ionization).
Are beta particles negatively charged?
A negatively charged beta particle is identical to an electron, while a positively charged beta particle is called a positron. Large amounts of beta radiation may cause skin burns, and beta emitters are harmful if they enter the body. Beta particles may be stopped by thin sheets of metal or plastic.
Why are beta particles able to penetrate objects better than alpha particles are?
Beta particles are negatively charged and are more penetrating than Alpha particles, which are positively charged. In general neutral particles can be said to be having very high penetrating power. …
What do beta particles consist of?
Beta decay A beta particle forms when a neutron changes into a proton and a high-energy electron . The proton stays in the nucleus but the electron leaves the atom as a beta particle.
Why alpha and beta particles have different penetrating powers?
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.
What can beta particles penetrate?
Very energetic beta particles can penetrate up to one-half an inch through skin and into the body. They can be shielded with less than an inch of material, such as plastic. In the case of lower energy beta particles, the outer layer of clothing can act as an effective shield.
Are beta particles electromagnetic waves?
Familiar types of electromagnetic radiation include sunlight (cosmic radiation), x-rays, radar, and radio waves. This less-familiar form of radiation includes alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons, as explained below.
