RADIOACTIVITY!

       There are differences between Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Alpha is a heavy, short-range particle and is an ejected helium nucleus. This type of radiation cannot penetrate the human skin or clothing. It is harmful if it is inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed in open wounds. A Geiger-Mueller tells whether alpha radioation is present. Alpha radiation can only travel a few inches into the air. On the other hand, Beta radiation is a very light, short-range particle that is an ejected electron. This type of radiation can penetrate the skin where new cells are produced. Clothing can help protect against this radiation. It can also travel several feet into the air. Gamma radiation is a highly penetrating electromagnetic radiation. Gamma can go many inches into the human tissue. Dense materials are needed to help protect someone from this radiation, clothing with not shield a person, but it will prevent the skin from being contaminated by the radioactive materials. This type of radiation can travel many feet into the air.

      There are differences between fission and fusion. The main difference is fission is when a LARGE unstabe atoms split into SMALLER atoms to become stable. Fusion is when a SMALL atoms join together to be LARGER, stable atoms.  

        Nuclear energy has its pros and cons. An advantage would be when coal and oil become scarce nuclear power plants can help supply electricity. Also nuclear power plants do not release contaminants into the environment. The disadvantages og nuclear energy is if the is an explosion, radiation is produced. This is a problem because the radiation harms the body and makes people sick or can kill them. Also nuclear reactors have waste disposal problems. This nuclear waste produces harmful radiation.