Alpha, Beta, Gamma characteristics Flashcards
What are Alpha rays
Helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons
What are Beta rays
They are electrons
What are Gamma rays
They are electromagnetic waves consisting of photons
Alpha charge
positively charged = +2e
Beta charge
-e
Gamma charge
0
Penetrating power of Alpha rays
Low penetrating power (stopped by thick paper)
Penertrating power of Beta rays
They can penetrate through thin metal foil and has a greater penetrating power than alpha
Penetrating power of Gamma rays
High penetrating power than beta and can penetrate through thick metal blocks
How are alpha rays effected by electric and magnetic fields
Deflected by both fields
How are Beta rays effected by electric and magnetic fields
Deflected by both fields but the direction of the deflection is opposite the deflection of alpha rays.
How are Gamma rays effected by electric and magnetic fields
They are not deflected by either
Speed of the rays
alpha - slowest
beta - medium
gamma - fastest
wavelength of rays
alpha - shortest
beta - medium
gamma - longest
How ionising are they
Alpha (highly, because of their double positive charge)
Beta (medium)
Gamma (low)
