10th class physics lecture 3 alpha decay ,beta decay,gamma decay,ionizat...

NUCLEAR
TRANSMUTATIONS

Definition:

The spontaneous process in which a parent unstable nuclide changes into a more
stable daughter nuclide with the emission of radiations is called nuclear
transmutation

There are three types of decays occurs in
nature.

Alpha
(α)-decay:

alpha decay occurs when a heavier unstable 
nuclei with large number of protons split up in to lighter nuclei with
the emission of helium nuclei.

Beta
(β)-decay:

Beta decay occurs when unstable nuclei
(usually isotope) with extra neutrons changes in to another nuclei with the
emission of  electron.

Gamma
(ϒ)-decay
:

 Gamma decay occurs when excited nuclei,
deexcites with the emission of energy without any change in nuclei

Ionizing
Effect

Definition:

The
phenomenon by which radiations split matter into positive and negative ions is
called ionization. All three kinds of radiations i.e., alpha, beta and gamma
can ionize the matter.

Explanation:

 However, alpha particles have the
greatest

power of ionization as compared to beta particles and gamma rays.

It is due to large positive charge and
large mass of alpha particles.

Beta particles ionize a gas much less
than alpha particles.

The ionization power of gamma rays is
even

less than that of beta particles because gamma rays are neutral light
photons

Penetrating
Ability

Definition:

The
strength of radiations to penetrate a certain material is called penetrating
power.

The alpha particle has the shortest range
because of its strong interacting or ionizing power.

The beta radiation strongly interacts
with matter due to its charge and has a short range as compared to gamma
radiations

 The gamma rays can penetrate a
considerable

thickness of concrete. It is due to their large speed and neutral nature.