GONZAGA JESUIT COLLEGE

FIRST TERM LESSON NOTE

2024/2025
ACADEMIC SESSION

PHYSICS
TECHNOLOGY

JSS3
 Gonzaga Jesuit College
First Term Lesson Note
2024/2025 Academic Session
Physics Technology
JSS 3
Week 1
Topic: Basic Electricity II.
Specific objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to;
1. Calculate the current flowing in a circuit (ohm’s law, charge in a circuit, electrical energy,
electrical power).
2. Draw the circuit symbol of the following electrical components: (a) battery (b) current (c)
resistor, etc.
3. Calculate voltage from current and resistance
4. Describe electrical equipment (transformers, stabilizers, amplifier, microphone, loud
speaker, etc.) and accessories.

In the study of electricity, there are measurable quantities that determine the behaviour of
electricity. They include: current, voltage, resistance, charge, electrical energy, electrical power
and time. These quantities are related. Their relationship helps us to determine the value of any of
them that we need at any given time and hence we can control the behaviour of electricity.
Ohm’s Law
We already know that Ohm’s law states that the current in a circuit is proportional to the voltage
that produces it provided that the resistance and other factors are constant.
V = IR --------------------------------- (1)
(Where V = voltage, I = current and R = resistance).
I = V/R ----------------------------------- (2)
R = V/I --------------------------------- (3)
Electrical Energy
Electrical energy is given by the product of voltage, current and time; formula E = IVt (V = voltage,
I = current and t = time). Electrical energy like all forms of energy has SI unity of joules (J).
Electrical Power
Generally power is obtained by dividing energy by time. Power = Energy/time. The SI unit of
power is watt (W). Since electrical energy is given by IVt; electrical power therefore is given by
P = IVt/ t;
P = IV--------------------------------- (4)
In Ohm’s law, from equation (2) we have that I = V/R., so we can substitute I in equation (4)
P = V/R x V.
This gives that P = V2/R ---------------------------- (5)
Again from equation (1), V = IR; so if we substitute V in equation (4), we have that
P = I x IR.
P = I2R ----------------------------------------------------- (6)
In summary we have
P = IV
P = V2/R
P = I2R
Electrical Components are their Circuit Symbols

Electrical Equipment
(a) Transformer: a transformer is electrical equipment that can step up or step down voltage of
alternating current. It works on the principle of mutual inductance. Mutual inductance is a
process where voltage from one circuit is transferred to another circuit through magnetic
flux linkage without physical contact. It is important to note that a transformer works only
in alternating current (ac) circuit. It consists of two or more coils of wire placed in such a
way that when current passes through one coil, the magnetic flux flows through the other
coil. The first coil through which voltage is applied is called primary coil; and the voltage
applied to it is called primary voltage. The second coil where the voltage is transferred is
called secondary coli; and the voltage it produces is known as
Secondary voltage. Voltage input is made through primary coil, while output voltage is delivered
through secondary coil. The laminated iron plate upon which the coil is placed is known as the
core.

Types
There are two types of transformer – step up transformer and step down transformer. A step
up transformer increases the voltage it receives from the primary coil and produces a higher
voltage at the secondary coil. A step down transformer reduces the voltage it receives from the
primary coil and delivers a smaller voltage at the secondary coil. When the number of the turns
of the primary and the secondary coils are known, the voltage input and output can be
calculated just when one value is known. The formula for this simple calculation is:
Ep/Es = Np/Ns (where Ep = primary voltage, Es = secondary voltage, Np = number of turns in
the primary coil and N s = number of turns of the secondary coil).
Example: a transformer has 200 turns in the primary coil and 4000 turns in the secondary coil.
If voltage of 12V is applied to the primary coil, what will be the secondary voltage output?
Solution: Ep = 12V
Es =?
Np = 200
Ns = 4000
Ep/Es = Np/Ns = 12V/Es = 200/4000
Es = (12V x 4000)/200 = 240V.
(b) Speaker: speaker is electrical equipment that converts electrical impulse into sound. It uses
a moving coil placed in a magnetic field and then attached to a paper cone. The coil vibrates
according to the electrical impulse it receives and the vibration is amplified by the cone in
the air to reproduce the sound.
(c) Microphone: a microphone converts sound to electrical impulse. The microphone is the
opposite of a speaker.
 (d) Amplifier: amplifier is electrical circuit that can enlarge the electrical signal supplied to it.
The major amplifying component in the circuit is transistor. A practical amplifier consists
of a series powerful amplifiers arranged to amplify the same signal many times.

(e) Stabilizer: a stabilizer is electrical equipment that makes a fluctuating current to flow in a
more steady way. The major component of a stabilizer is a type of diode called zenner
diode.

Week 2
Topic: Electrical Energy I.
Specific objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to;
1. Draw the simple electric circuit and label it.
2. Explain the uses of Ammeter, Voltmeter and Resistor.
3. List types of Resistors.
An electrical circuit is the path created for easy flow of current. There are three basic things that
must be present for a circuit to function. They are (i) source of emf, (ii) wires and (iii) source of
resistance (a component that uses electric current to function). There could be other components
in a circuit like switch, measuring instruments, diode, transistors, capacitors, etc.
Diagram of a Circuit:
 Drawing electrical circuits
Scientists do not draw circuits as they look in real life. This is
because it takes too long and each person would draw
something slightly different.

Instead, they use circuit symbols

to represent each component in
the circuit. They are drawn exactly
the same way each time!

Wires are drawn as straight lines.

They do not have to represent the
real lengths of the wires.

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Connection of Ammeter in a circuit

An ammeter is an electrical instrument we use to measure current. In a circuit ammeter is
connected in series with other components. It measures only the current flowing in the same line
it is connected. If two or more ammeters are connected in one circuit, they will read the same
value, provided that they are connected in series.

Measuring current
The unit of measurement for current is the ampere, which
has the symbol A.

Current is measured
using a device called
an ammeter.

In a circuit diagram,
an ammeter is shown
by an ‘A’ in a circle.

When measuring the current through a component, the

ammeter is always connected in series (in the same loop)
with that component.

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Connection of Voltmeter in a circuit
Voltmeter is connected across a component like battery, resistor or any other component.
Voltmeter measures the voltage across a given component. Different components in one circuit
can have different voltage across them.

Measuring voltage in a parallel circuit

Connect up this circuit and
measure, in turn, the voltage
at V1, V2 and V3. Record
your results in the table.

Voltmeter Voltage (V)

V1
V2
V3

What do you notice about

the results?

How can you explain this?

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Resistors
A resistor is an electronic/electrical component that slows down the flow of current. The ability of
a resistor to do this is known as resistance (R). There different values of resistance and different
types of resistor.
Types
(i) Colour code resistor
(ii) Wire wound resistor
(iii) Ceramic resistor
(iv) Resistance can also come inform of reactance (inductive and capacitive).
The commonest type of resistor is the colour code resistor.

Week 3
Topic: Electrical Energy II
Specific objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to;
1. Arrange Resistors in series or parallel.
2. Mention Ohmic and non-Ohmic conductors.
3. State the factors affecting the resistance of a wire.
4. Explain the uses of fuses and circuit breaker.
5. Mention the colour codes of wires.
6. Wire a three-pin plug.
7. Name the electrical components used in house wiring.
8. Estimate electrical meter reading and billing.
Arrangement of Resistors in a Circuit
There are two ways resistors can be connected in a circuit. They are series connection and parallel
connection.
Series Connection
When all the components are connected in the same line of conductor, they are said to be in series.
Two or more resistors can be connected in series.

What is a series circuit?

This is a simple series circuit.

In a simple series circuit, everything is connected

in one loop across the terminals of the battery.
There are no points where the current can split
or join (these are called junctions).

This circuit has two lamps connected in series.

Circuits are always drawn using straight lines.

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In a series circuit the current is the same in all parts of the circuit. Series circuits are found in
torches and strings of Christmas lights. The supply voltage is shared between the components in
a series circuit. (The sum of the voltage across each component is the same as the total supply
voltage.) The current depends on the voltage in any circuit.

When two or more resistors are in series, their sum of their resistance known as effective
resistance is given by RT = r1 + r2 + --------rn.
Example: two resistors 2Ω and 4Ω are connected in series. What is their effective resistance in the
circuit?
R=r+r
R = 2Ω + 4Ω = 6Ω
NOTE: for series circuit
1. If you add more bulbs (resistor), they become dimmer.
2. The current is the same throughout the circuit
3. Voltage is split among the components.
Parallel Circuit
A parallel circuit is one that contains a point (a junction) where the current can split (point A) or
join (point B) in the diagram below. This means that there is more than one path around the circuit.

In a parallel circuit, the current that leaves the cell is the same as the current that returns to the cell.
The ammeter readings for A1 and A4 should be the same. This is because the current does not get
used up by the circuit, just the energy that the current is carrying.

Current in a parallel circuit

The current splits up at the first junction and then joins
together at the second junction.

The following is
always true for this
type of parallel circuit:

A1 = (A2 + A3) = A4

If the bulbs are identical,

then the current will split
evenly. If the bulbs are not
identical, then the current
will not split evenly.

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NOTE: for parallel circuit
1. Voltage at any component equals the supply voltage.
2. Adding more bulbs has no effect on the brightness of the bulbs.
3. The supplied current is split between the available resistors (bulbs).
4. When resistances are in parallel, the combined resistance is given by 1/R = 1/r1 + 1/r2
------- 1/rn.

Ohmic and non-Ohmic conductors

Not all conductors obey Ohm’s law. The conductors that obey Ohm’s law are called ohmic
conductors. All metals are ohmic conductors. They conductors that do not obey ohm’s law are
called non-ohmic conductors. They include all semi-conductors
For ohmic conductors, the resistance of the conductor increases as (a) the temperature increases,
(b) the length of the conductor increase and (c) the cross-sectional area of the conductor reduces.

Wire Colour Code

Ohmic conductors (metals) are used for house wiring and for many other electrical connections.
The wires are coated with rubber of different colours to make sure that the live wire, the neutral
wire and the earth wire are properly distinguished. This is called wire colour code.
Live wire will always have red or brown colour. Neutral wire will have black or blue colour while
earth will have yellow/green strip or green or yellow colour.

Electrical Components Used in House Wiring

In house wiring there are many components that are needed. They are called wiring accessories.
They include
a) D-Board: this is a type of control switch with adequate fuse that controls a section of the
building.
b) Socket: sockets are outlets where devices can be plugged. Common sockets in a residential
house are 5amps, 13amps and 15amps.
c) Plugs: plugs are made to fit in sockets. We have 5amps, 13amps and 15amps as common
plugs. Plugs can also be two pins or three pins.
d) Junction box: this is a box where connections to different devices are made. Sometimes a
big D-board can serve this purpose.
e) Lamp holders: this is used to hold bulb. It can be angle batten, straight batten or ordinary
lamp holder.
 f) Conduit pipes: these are PVC pipes used to run wires in a conduit wiring.
g) Switches: switches are circuit breaker that can be used to control the circuit. Switches can
be single or gang switches.
h) Wall brackets: these are fancy lamp holders normally used in sitting rooms and dining
rooms.
i) Wires: these are conductors we use to make connections. They come in different colours
to distinguish live, neutral and earth wires. Live wires are coloured red or brown. Neutral
wires are coloured blue or black. Earth wires are coloured yellow or green or stripe of
yellow/green.

Estimate electrical Meter Reading and Billing.

Week 4
Topic: Transmission of Electricity (Low Frequency transmission)
Specific objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to;
1. Explain the meaning of high-tension transmission.
2. State Nigeria domestic voltage and frequency.
3. Mention some distribution equipment
4. Differentiate between high and low frequency transmission.
5. Explain the common abbreviation involved in radio transmission and state their meanings.
6. Mention some equipment necessary for high frequency transmission.

Transmission of electricity at low frequency is the transferring of electrical power generated at a

station from that station to different distant places where it is needed. This is done at low frequency
and high tension.
Electricity is generated at low frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz. To transmit this electricity to a far
distance, there will be need to transmit it at high tension.

High Tension Transmission

This is transmission at high voltage and low current. When electricity is generated, the voltage is
stepped up before it is transmitted to the users. The high voltage is achieved by using a step up
transformer to step up the voltage to a high value.

Advantages of High Tension Transmission

1. It reduces power loss due to Joules heating
2. It increases the speed of transmission
3. It permits flexibility in power supply.
At the point where the power is needed, it can be stepped down to the required voltage using a step
down transformer. In Nigeria, power is transmitted at a voltage of about 66KV, while the domestic
voltage is 220V to 250V. Industrial areas may need higher voltage. 66KV is first stepped down to
33KV, and then to 11KV.33KV is supplied to industrial areas while 11KV is supplied to residential
areas where it must be stepped down to 220V.

Some Distribution Equipment

1. Generator control panel: this is a device that synchronizes the generated frequencies
and voltages into a common frequency and voltage.
2. Circuit breaker: these are strong switches to control the circuit.
3. Line supporter (towers/pylons): these are special structures made to support the
transmission lines.
4. Sub-station: this is where different equipment are assembled to assist distribution of
electricity at a particular area.
5. Transmission Lines: these are conductors commonly made of aluminium or copper.
They are used for distribution of electricity.
6. Transformers: this is electrical equipment used to step up or step down voltage.
7. Lightning arrestor: this is used to control thunder and lightning
8. Insulators: these are glass or ceramic objects used to suspend the lines so that they will
not touch.
 9. Fuse board: fuse is a protective device used to protect the transformers and other
equipment from overloading or short circuit. Sometimes they are arranged in order in
a box or board known as fuse board.

Distribution Systems in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the following distribution systems are common:
(i) Single phase 2-wires: this is the commonest system that enters residential houses. The two
wires are one live wire and one neutral wire (red/brown and black/blue).
(ii) Single phase 3-wires: here instead of just two wires, earth wire is introduced. So we have
live, neutral and earth wires (red/brown, black/blue and yellow/green/yellow-green stripe)
(iii)Three phase 3-wires: this is common in industrial area or before the voltage is stepped
down in residential areas. The three wires are all live wires. They are necked aluminium
wires separated by insulators and supported on poles.
(iv) Three phase 4-wires: this is the distribution system after the voltage has been stepped down.
The first three wires are live wires while the last and the lowest wire is the neutral wire.

Difference between High and Low Frequency Transmission.

Low frequency transmission has to do with the production, transmission and distribution of
electricity at a low frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz. On the other hand, high frequency transmission
has to do with production, transmission and receiving of radio frequencies and other
communication frequencies which ranges from 150 KHz to 108MHz (for radios) and higher
frequencies (VHF and UHF) for Television, GSM and other communication systems.

Basic Principles of Transmission at High Frequencies

In this system, there are two systems involved which are not physically connected- the
transmission system and the receiving system.

Transmission System
(i) Input devices: this could be microphone, keyboard, joystick, or any other input device.
(ii) Generating devices: this is a device that will generate the required high frequency. In most
cases, the transmitter performs this function as well as modulation.
 (iii)Transmission devices: transmitting antenna (Aerial) is required to send the modulated wave
into the space.

Receiving System
(i) Receiving antenna (aerial) is needed to pick the signals from the space.
(ii) Demodulator: this is a device that will detach the sound wave from the electromagnetic
wave, magnify it and then feed it to the speaker.
(iii)Output device: (Loud speaker, VDU, or any other output device). This device
reproduces the required message.

Modulation
Electromagnetic waves (eg, radio waves, micro waves, etc) travel at the speed of light – 3 x 108m/s.
This is a very high speed but they cannot be heard. On the other hand, sound wave can be heard
but it doesn’t travel fast (about 330m/s in air). Moreover while sound requires material medium to
travel, EM does not need any material medium for its transmission. Modulation therefore is the
process of imposing the slow moving sound (but can be heard) on a fast moving EM (but cannot
be heard), so that the EM will carry it fast to the required destinations. This can be done in two
ways – amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM). Both short waves and medium
waves transmissions are AM.

Common Abbreviation Involved in Radio Transmission

(i) EM: electromagnetic Waves
(ii) RF: Radio Frequency
(iii)VHF: Very High Frequency
(iv) UHF: Ultra High Frequency
(v) GSM: global System of Telecommunication
(vi) FM: Frequency Modulation
(vii) AM: Amplitude Modulation
(viii) SW: Short Waves
(ix) MW: Medium Wave

Some Equipment Necessary for High Frequency Transmission

(i) Input devices (microphone, keyboard, etc)
(ii) Transmitter
(iii)Aerial (transmission antenna)
(iv) Aerial support
(v) Satellite
(vi) Booster stations
(vii) Receiving Aerial (antenna)
(viii) Receiver
(ix) Loudspeaker

Week 5
Topic: Basic Electronics 1
Specific objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Sketch the circuit symbols of the following electronics components (a) diode (b) capacitor
(c) inductor (d) NPN transistor (e) PNP transistor (f) variable resistor.

2. State the uses of the components.

Introduction:
Electronic appliances like computers, handsets, radios, television e.t.c. are built with electronic
components or devices that enable them to function optimally. Some have simple components
while some have complex components. The components work with electron movement. The
devices are connected in a circuit so that current can flow through them.
The examples of Basic electronic components are resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes,
transistors, integrated circuit (I.C) and circuit boards.

Electronic circuit component diagrams and their symbols:

Components symbols: The symbol is at the centre of each diagram.
Descriptions and functions of the components.

Resistor:
It is a device that opposes the flow of electric current in a circuit. It is designed to provide a fixed
amount of resistance in a circuit. It has two types namely; the fixed and the variable resistors also
called rheostat.
The ability of the resistor to oppose the flow of current is called Resistance. Resistance is measured
in Ohm’s (£) with a device called ohmmeter.

Capacitor:
It is a device that stores up electrical energy as electric charges in a circuit. It is made up of two
metal plates separated by an insulator called dielectric material. The dielectric materials could be
made of paper, ceramics, mica or air. Capacitors could be fixed or variable and they come in
various shapes and sizes like cylindrical, rectangular etc.
The ability of a capacitor to store electrical charges is called Capacitance. It is measured in Farad.
The capacitance of a capacitor depends on some factors like type of dielectric material, surface
area of the metals and distance of the metal plates.

Inductor:
It is a device used in storing electrical energy in form of a magnetic field. It is made up of coils of
wire wound on a core. The commonest core is Iron. It stores energy when the current is high and
supply the stored energy when the current is low. Certain factors affect its ability to store electrical
energy. They include the nature of the core and the number of the turns of wire.
The ability for an inductor to store electrical energy is called Inductance. It is netsuke in Henry.

Diodes:

It has two terminals the positive and negative terminals called electrodes. The positive and
negative side met and formed a junction. Diode can therefore be called a p-n junction. It allows
current to flow only in one direction when connected in a circuit. It is therefore called a one way
conductor.

Functions;
1. It converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) through the process called
rectification. Diodes are rectifiers.

2. They are used as light emitting devices.

3. They are used for detecting radio and T.V signals in radio and T.V receivers.

4. They are used for stabilizing current supplied to other devices.

Transistors:

Transistors are formed from two p-n junction diodes joined back to back. That forms a p-n-p
transistor. The p- n -p are the tree terminals of a transistor namely the emitter, base and collector.
A transistor can either be a p-n-p or an n-p-n type.
Transistors are used for current amplification in electronic circuit. They are therefore current
amplifiers. This means they have the ability to increase small quantity of current put into them and
bring it out as an amplified current.
Integrated circuits (IC)/Microchips:
It is a device containing some electronic components in a single unit. Example, it has components
like resistors, capacitors, diodes etc combined together to form one device. The advantage of this
is that it reduces the size of electronic appliances.

Circuit boards;
It is a board on which various electronic components are assembled. It has three types namely
bread board, perfboard and printed circuit board.
A. Bread board; it is made of plastic. Rows of holes are drilled on it where the components
are fitted into. The components are then connected using flexible wire at the back of the
board.

B. Perfboard; It is a bit different from the bread board in the sense that it is made of a thin
sheet of insulating laminated material. The holes are drilled at regular intervals where the
pins of components are fitted into. The wires are then soldered to the pins to form the
circuit.

C. The printed circuit board: it is made of a thin sheet of insulating material on which thin
copper lines are bounded to. The electronic components are then soldered on the bounded
copper wire forming a circuit. The bounded copper wire distinguishes the board from the
bread board and the perfboard where wires are not originally attached.
 Week 6.
Topic; Basic Electronics 2
Specific objectives; at the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. With a well labelled diagram, draw a thermionic diode and a triode.
2. Differentiate between a glass diode and a glass triode.
3. Explain the meaning of thermionic emission and other types of emission.
4. List out five advantages of solid-state components over glass components

Thermionic diode and triode:

A thermionic diode valve is a device consisting of a sealed evacuated glass tube containing two
metal electrodes which are the cathode (negative electrode) and the anode (positive electrode). The
cathode emits electron when heated (thermionic emission) by the source of heat supply. The
emitted electron is collected by the anode creating a current flow in one direction. Diodes are used
as rectifiers and in radio broadcasting as signal detectors.
Thermionic Triode valve: It has the same components as the anode. The only difference is that
it has a third electrode in between the cathode and the anode. The third electrode is called the
Control grid. It is used in controlling the quantity of current at the anode. Triode is used as an
amplifier for radio and audio signals.
Solid state components;
They are electronic components based entirely on semiconductors. They rely heavily on diodes
and transistors. The example is Integrated circuit also known as microchips.
Advantages of solid-state components over glass components
1. They have more practical size than the glass components.
2. They are more durable and reliable.
3. They have less weight than the glass components.
4. They have more shock and heat resistance.
5. They make electronic appliances less bulky and more portable.
Methods of electron emissions;
As said earlier, electronic appliances work emission of electrons. Below are the method used in
emission of electrons.
1. Thermionic emission or primary emission; it involves the use of heat energy in emitting
electron from metal surfaces. Examples, the use of tungsten filament lamps which glows
when heated using electric current. The emitted electrons can be conducted through a
conductor which results in current flow.
2. Photo electric emission; It involves using light energy from the sun in emitting electrons
from metal surfaces. The number of emitted electrons here depends on the intensity of the
light energy. The more the intensity of light, the more the number of emitted electrons. It
is utilized in solar panels.
3. Cold cathode or field emission; in this method, electrons are emitted in an electric field
using electrodes of chemical cells. The electric field causes the movement of electrons from
the cathode to the anode.
4. Secondary emission; here, electrons are emitted by mechanical means (friction) when
electron particles strike metal surfaces at a very high speed. Examples, it is used in glowing
of florescent tubes, computer monitors, TV receivers etc. When the electrons from a power
source moving on a high speed strike the inside surface of the appliance like florescent tube
coated with phosphor, it emits electrons from it which glow as light.
Week 7
Topic; Radioactivity 1 and 2
Specific objectives; At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to
1. Define Radioactivity.
2. State and explain the types of Radioactivity.
3. Explain radioactive elements.
4. Outline the types of radiation and state their properties.
5. Mention the positive uses of Radioactivity.
6. Enumerate the dangers of radioactive rays.

Introduction;
It is a common observation that whenever physical substances like grains etc are used, they reduce
in quantity. There are substances that on their own reduce in quantity whether they are being used
or not. Examples of such substances are radioactive substances. This phenomenon was discovered
by French scientists by name Henry Becquerel in 1896. He discovered that an element called
Uranium on its own spontaneously was emitting radiations that blackened photographic plate and
also penetrated paper and other opaque materials like the x-ray they knew. He called the action
Radioactivity.
What is Radioactivity?
It is defined as the decay or disintegration of the nucleus of radioactive element with the emission
of alpha particles (α), beta particles (β), gamma radiation (γ) and release of heat energy.
Radioactive elements;
They are the elements that decay or disintegrate with the emission of the alpha, beta and gamma
radiations. Their decay rate is represented by the symbol ( t 1/2 ) called half life. Half life is defined
as the time taken by the original atom of radioactive element to decay or disintegrate into half.
Types of Radioactive elements and Radioactivity:
1. Natural radioactivity / radioactive elements
2. Artificial Radioactivity/radioactive elements.

1. Natural radioactivity and radioactive elements;

It is the spontaneous disintegration of the unstable nucleus of radioactive elements with the release
of alpha, beta and gamma radiations and energy. The examples natural radioactive elements are
uranium, radium, thorium, polonium etc.

2. Artificial radioactivity and elements;

It is the process where a non radioactive element is made radioactive by bombarding it with fast
moving particles of protons and neutrons. It is therefore defined as the decay of stable nucleus of
a non radioactive element with the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma radiation and
release of heat energy due to its bombardment with fast moving particles of protons and neutrons.
The examples of artificial radioactive elements are Cobalt- 60, Iodine - 131 and sulphur- 35 etc.
Types and properties of radiations.
Radiation type Alpha particle(α) Beta particle(β) Gamma radiation (γ)
Nature Helium nucleus High speed electrons Electromagnetic
(42He) (-01e) wave.
Nature of charge Positively charged Negatively charged (-1) Electrically neutral
(+2) (0)
Effect on Slight deflection Strongly deflected No deflection because
electromagnetic field towards the towards the positive end they are neutral with
negative plate or or north pole of an negligible mass.
south pole because electrostatic field
of their positive because of their negative
charge and relative charge and zero mass.
charged mass of 4.
Penetrating power Low penetrating Higher penetrating High penetrating
power. (Stopped by power than £ particles. power. (Penetrates
a thick paper) (Penetrates thin metal thick metal blocks)
foil)
Mass Low mass Lesser mass than Negligible mass
£ particles
Ionization power. Heavy ionizing Much lower ionizing Least ionizing power.
than £ particles
Velocity Much less than the Less than the speed of Same as the speed of
speed of light light light (3×108m/s)

Positive uses of Radioactivity:

1. It is used in radiotherapy (diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer).
2. It is used in radioactive dating (determination of age of rock or the time when an animal
died).
3. It is used in sterilizing medical instruments.
4. It is used in sterilizing canned drinks and bottled water.
5. It is used in agricultural as radioactive tracers and preservatives.
6. It is used in genetics engineering to improve crop and animal yield.
7. It is used in the industries as tracers to detect leakages in underground pipes.
8. It is used in generating nuclear power and energy.
Dangers of radioactive rays:
1. It can destroy living tissues and cells of the body if the body is exposed to it for a long
time.
2. It can cause leukemia (blood cancer).
3. It can upset natural chemical reactions of the body and cause some form of deformations.
Example in pregnant women.
4. It can cause damage to bones and marrows and affect the blood negatively.
5. It can contaminate plants, water and air and make them unsafe for humans.
6. It can be used as weapons of mass destruction.