Radioactivity: The Three Types of Radiation Explained

What is Radioactivity?
Radioactivity is a physical phenomenon, where unstable atomic nuclei of certain chemical elements decay and emit radiation. This radiation is also referred to as ionizing radiation.
The building blocks of an atom are protons and neutrons in the nucleus, and electrons orbiting the nucleus. Some atomic nuclei have too many or too few neutrons. This makes them unstable and they "want" to attain a more stable state. They "decay" and emit particles and/or energy.
⚙ einfuhrung

How Does Radioactivity Arise?
The cause of radioactivity lies in the atomic nucleus. There are different types of decays:
- Alpha Decay: The nucleus emits an "alpha particle". This is 2 protons and 2 neutrons, together forming a helium nucleus.
- Beta Decay: A neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton (or vice versa), emitting an electron or a positron in the process.
- Gamma Decay: After a decay, the nucleus is sometimes still "excited" (energized) and emits energy in the form of gamma rays (very energetic electromagnetic waves).
Through these decays, the original nucleus is transformed into a different element or a different isotope of an element.
What Can Radioactivity Be Used For?
Radioactivity is usefully applied in many fields:

Application	Description
Energy Production	In nuclear power plants, the energy from decaying atomic nuclei is used for electricity generation.
Medicine	Radioactive substances assist in diagnosing (e.g. X-rays, PET scans) and treating (e.g. radiation therapy)
Engineering	Radioactive materials are found, for example, in smoke detectors or for material testing (e.g. X-ray inspection)
Archaeology	The so-called “radiocarbon method” helps determine the age of finds.

Radioactivity is a fascinating natural phenomenon that presents both dangers and many practical uses. A careful and responsible approach to radioactive substances is important.
⚙ entstehung

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons) that are emitted during the decay of certain unstable atomic nuclei.
- Range: Alpha particles travel only a few centimeters in air.
- Penetration: Very low, alpha radiation is stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin.
- Hazards: Outside the body, alpha radiation is considered not very dangerous. Inside the body – for example, after inhalation or ingestion* – it is very dangerous, since it can directly damage cells.
- Safety Measures:
- - When handling alpha emitters, always use gloves, lab coats, and possibly respiratory protection.
  - Avoid dust and ensure good room ventilation.
  - Shielding with paper, plexiglass or lightweight foil is usually sufficient.
Alpha Decay Explained Simply! - Radioactivity, Alpha Radiation (Physics)
⚙ alpha

Beta radiation occurs when a neutron converts into a proton or vice versa, consisting of electrons (β-) or positrons (β+).
- Range: Beta particles can travel several meters through air, thus have a much greater range than alpha radiation.
- Penetration: Medium – they can penetrate a few millimeters into tissue and are shielded by a few millimeters of aluminum or plastic.
- Hazards: Beta radiation can cause burns and skin damage upon external contact. Inside the body, it can damage deeper cells and thus increase cancer risk.
- Safety Measures:
- - Work behind plexiglass or aluminum shields.
  - Wear clothing that covers skin and use gloves.
  - Always handle radiation sources with appropriate tools and never directly.
Beta Decay Explained Simply! - Radioactivity, Beta Radiation (Physics)
⚙ beta

Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation with very high energy, and neither mass nor electric charge. It often accompanies alpha or beta decays.
- Range: Very high – gamma rays can travel kilometers through air.
- Penetration: Extremely high – they can even penetrate thick walls or the human body.
- Hazards: Gamma rays are very dangerous. Even short, intense exposure can cause severe health damages such as cell changes, cancer, or radiation sickness.
- Safety Measures:
- - Use massive lead walls or thick concrete for shielding.
  - Keep time spent near gamma sources as short as possible.
  - Increase distance from the source and use remote handling techniques if possible.
Gamma Decay Explained Simply! - Gamma Radiation, Radioactivity (Physics)
⚙ gamma

Type of Radiation	Range in Air	Penetration	Typical Protection
Alpha	few cm	very low	Paper, Skin
Beta	several meters	medium	Aluminum, Plexiglas
Gamma	many kilometers	very high	Lead, Concrete