Table 1-2 Alpha Particles - hdbk-1130-98

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Module 1: Radiological Fundamentals

Instructor's Notes

Table 1-2

Alpha Particles

Large mass (2 protons, 2 neutrons, 0

Physical

electrons).

Characteristics

+2 charge.

Very short (about 1-2 inches in air).

Range

Deposits large amount of energy in a short

distance of travel.

Few centimeters of air.

Shielding

Sheet of paper.

Dead layer of skin (outer layer).

No external hazard (dead layer of skin

Biological

will stop alpha particles).

Hazard

Internally, the source of alpha radiation is

in close contact with body tissue. It can

deposit large amounts of energy in a small

amount of body tissue.

Insert facility-specific information.

Sources

Beta particles

Physical characteristics

1) The beta particle has a small mass and is positively or

negatively charged. Positively charged beta particles are

called positrons and have an electrical charge of plus one.

Negatively charged beta particles are high-energy electrons and

have an electrical charge of minus one.

2) A negatively charged beta particle is physically identical to an

electron.

EO6 Identify the four basic

types of ionizing radiation

and the following for each

type:

a. Physical characteristics

b. Range

c. Shielding

d. Biological hazards

e. Sources