Table 1-3 Beta Particles

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

Module 1: Radiological Fundamentals

Instructor's Notes

Table 1 -3

Beta Particles

Physical

Small mass.

Characteristics

-1 charge or + 1 charge.

Short distance (one inch to 20 feet).

Range

Plastic.

Shielding

Glass.

Safety glasses.

Internal hazard (this is due to short range).

Biological

Externally, may be hazardous to skin and eyes.

Hazard

Insert facility-specific information.

Sources

3. Gamma rays/X rays

a. Physical characteristics

1) Gamma/X-ray radiation is an electromagnetic wave

(electromagnetic radiation) or photon and has no mass and no

electrical charge.

2) Gamma rays are very similar to X rays. The difference

between gamma rays and X rays is that gamma rays originate

inside the nucleus and X rays originate in the electron orbits

outside the nucleus.

3) Gamma/X-ray radiation can ionize as a result of direct

interactions with orbital electrons.

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

b. Range

1) Because gamma/X-ray radiation has no charge and no mass, it

has very high penetrating ability.