# Explain what is meant by the term 'nuclear radiation' and describe TWO properties that distinguish beta radiation from gamma radiation.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 2.4 The atom, the nucleus and radioactivity · Explain · 4 marks

> Unstable nuclei can emit different types of nuclear radiation. Scientists use the properties of these radiations to identify them and to determine how dangerous they are.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Nuclear radiation is (ionising) radiation emitted from an unstable nucleus (spontaneously / randomly)
2. Beta radiation has a short/moderate penetrating power (stopped by a few mm of aluminium) whereas gamma radiation has much greater penetrating power (requires several cm of lead or metres of concrete to absorb it)
3. Beta radiation is a fast-moving electron (emitted from the nucleus) whereas gamma radiation is an electromagnetic wave / photon (with no mass and no charge)
4. Beta radiation causes more ionisation than gamma radiation (per unit path length) / gamma radiation is less ionising than beta radiation

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-is-meant-by-the-e2229407) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.