# A nuclear power station uses uranium-235 as fuel. During operation, the uranium-235 undergoes fission and produces several different radioactive waste products. Some of these waste products emit beta radiation and some emit gamma radiation. Describe the nature of beta radiation and gamma radiation, and explain why workers handling the waste products need greater shielding from gamma radiation than from beta radiation.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.8.1 Radioactivity · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Beta radiation consists of (fast-moving) electrons emitted from the nucleus
2. Gamma radiation is (high-frequency / short-wavelength) electromagnetic radiation / a wave
3. Gamma radiation has much greater penetrating power than beta radiation
4. Beta radiation is stopped by (a few millimetres of) aluminium / a thin metal sheet, whereas gamma requires (several centimetres of) lead / thick concrete
5. Gamma radiation is weakly ionising so it passes through the body and can damage tissue / cells deeper inside the body, making thick shielding necessary

## Key terms

- [beta radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/beta-radiation)
- [gamma radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gamma-radiation)
- [shielding](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/shielding)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-nuclear-power-station-uses-uranium-235-975fce10) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.