Page 214 - Radiation Safety
P. 214
Particulate: Beta ( ) and Positron ( )
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(negatron, e ), positron (e , ), emitted when nuclides decay,
continuous energy distribution, avg. E = (1/3) E max
e.g. 32 15 P → 0 -1 + 32 16 S + anti neutrino
Cause ionisations and excitations in matter, accompanied by X-rays
(bremsstrahlung - increasing with Z), greater range than , use low-Z
materials (Z<13) as shields
An external hazard if E > 70 keV (penetrates dead skin layer).
An internal hazard although not as harmful as alpha
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Pure emitters: H, C, Sr, Y, P
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