Physics GCSE
ionising power
What ionising power means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of ionising power
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Reference: AQA
Runs alpha, then beta, then gamma, because an alpha particle is large and doubly charged and rips electrons from atoms quickly.
How strongly alpha particles, beta particles or gamma rays ionise, with alpha the most ionising and gamma the least.
Alpha ionises most strongly and gamma least, which is linked to penetration.
Topics that use ionising power
- Radioactive contamination (AQA GCSE)
- Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation (AQA GCSE)
- Radioactive emissions (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- neutron emission
- penetrating power
- Absorbing materials
- activity
- Alpha emission
- alpha inside the body
- background radiation
- Beta emission
Using ionising power in the exam
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