Chapter 6.3 - 'Properties Of Alpha, Beta And Gamma Radiation'

Question 1

List the properties of a 'b' particle:
Mass -
Speed -
Charge - 
Range (in air) -
Penetration (in matter) -

Answer 1

Mass - light
Speed - 90% speed of light
Charge - -1 or +1
Range (in air) - 1 or 2m
Penetration (in matter) - a few mm

Question 2

List the properties of a 'y' particle:
Mass -
Speed -
Charge - 
Range (in air) -
Penetration (in matter) -

Answer 2

Mass - none
Speed - 3 x 10^8
Charge - 0
Range (in air) - many metres
Penetration (in matter) - high

Question 3

List the properties of an 'a' particle:
Mass -
Speed -
Charge - 
Range (in air) -
Penetration (in matter) -

Answer 3

Mass - heavy
Speed - 20,000km/s 
Charge - +2
Range (in air) - A few cm
Penetration (in matter) - 10^-2 mm