Sper Scientific 840024 Digital Radiation Meter - Manual (Page 17)

- 17 -
RADIATION AND
RADIOACTIVITY
nucleus that contains protons and
neutrons. Neutrons do not have an
electrical charge while protons have a
positive charge. Electrons are
negatively charged particles that orbit
the nucleus and balance the positive
electrical charge of the protons. The
nucleus of the atom is held together by
a delicate balance among the nuclear
particles allowing the atom to remain
stable. Any change in this structure will
cause the nucleus to become unstable
or radioactive until stability is restored.
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is the type most
commonly referred to when discussing
radioactivity. It is radiation with enough
energy to remove tightly bound
electrons from the atom creating ions.
The GM tube in the radiation meter is
capable of detecting ions emitted from
certain radioactive particles and waves.