nuclear radiation

nuclear radiation [′nü·klē·ər ‚rād·ē′ā·shən]

(nuclear physics)

A term used to denote alpha particles, neutrons, electrons, photons, and other particles which emanate from the atomic nucleus as a result of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions.

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Nuclear radiation

All particles and radiations emanating from an atomic nucleus due to radioactive decay and nuclear reactions. Thus the criterion for nuclear radiations is that a nuclear process is involved in their production. The term was originally used to denote the ionizing radiations observed from naturally occurring radioactive materials. These radiations were alpha rays (energetic helium nuclei), beta rays (negative electrons), and gamma rays (electromagnetic radiation with wavelength much shorter than visible light). See Alpha particles, Beta particles, Gamma rays

Nuclear radiations have traditionally been considered to be of three types based on the manner in which they interact with matter as they pass through it. These are the charged heavy particles with masses comparable to that of the nuclear mass (for example, protons, alpha particles, and heavier nuclei), electrons (both negatively and positively charged), and electromagnetic radiation. For all of these, the interactions with matter are considered to be primarily electromagnetic. The behavior of mesons and other particles is intermediate between that of the electron and heavy charged particles.

A striking difference in the absorption of the three types of radiations is that only heavy charged particles have a range. That is, a monoenergetic beam of heavy charged particles, in passing through a certain amount of matter, will lose energy without changing the number of particles in the beam. Ultimately, they will be stopped after crossing practically the same thickness of absorber. For electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays) and neutrons, on the other hand, the absorption is exponential. The difference in behavior reflects the fact that charged particles are not removed from the beam by individual interactions, whereas gamma radiation photons (and neutrons) are removed. Electrons exhibit a more complex behavior. See Electron, Nuclear reaction