The Differences between Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

The Differences between Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

Alpha Radiation

• Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are made up of two protons and two neutrons.
• These particles are positively charged and relatively large, making them the heaviest form of ionising radiation.
• Alpha radiation has a low penetration power and can be stopped by a few centimetres of air or a sheet of paper.
• Alpha decay results in the parent nucleus losing two protons and two neutrons, altering the element entirely.

Beta Radiation

• Beta radiation is composed of beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons.
• These particles are small and carry either a positive (positron) or negative (electron) charge.
• Beta radiation’s penetration power is intermediate, greater than alpha, but can be stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium.
• Beta decay results in conversion of a neutron in the parent nucleus into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1.

Gamma Radiation

• Gamma radiation consists of gamma rays, which are waves of pure energy (i.e., they are photons).
• These rays have no mass and carry no charge.
• Gamma radiation has the highest penetration power, which requires thick lead or several metres of concrete to adequately block.
• Gamma decay typically accompanies either alpha or beta decay, occurring once the nucleus drops from a high energy state to a low energy state.

Remember:

• Alpha particles are large, positively charged, and can be blocked by paper.
• Beta particles are smaller, negatively or positively charged, and can be stopped by aluminium.
• Gamma rays are massless, chargeless, and require thick shielding to block.