Säteilyhiukkaset

Säteilyhiukkaset, or radiation particles, refers to subatomic particles that are emitted during radioactive decay or are produced by other high-energy processes. These particles carry kinetic energy and can interact with matter, leading to various effects. The most common types of radiation particles are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus, and are relatively heavy and carry a positive charge. They have a short range and can be stopped by a sheet of paper. Beta particles are electrons or positrons emitted from the nucleus during beta decay. They are lighter than alpha particles and have a greater penetration power, capable of passing through paper but being stopped by a thin sheet of metal. Gamma rays are not particles in the same sense as alpha and beta radiation; they are high-energy photons, electromagnetic radiation, and possess no mass or charge. They are highly penetrating and require dense materials like lead or concrete for significant shielding. Neutrons are also considered radiation particles, particularly in nuclear reactions, and are uncharged and highly penetrating. The interaction of these particles with matter can cause ionization, which is the process of removing electrons from atoms, leading to chemical changes and potential biological damage. Understanding the properties and behavior of säteilyhiukkaset is crucial in fields such as nuclear physics, medical imaging, radiation therapy, and radiation protection.