Radiation

# α-Particles

1. An alpha particle is made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
2. It has the same composition of the nucleus of the Helium atom
3. It is positively charged and is represented by
4. Has high ionising power

# Examples

α-decay for plutonium-240,

# β-Particles

1. β-particles are high energy electrons moving at a speed comparable to the speed of light ()
2. Forms when a neutron in the nucleus splits into a proton and an electron
3. Electron is ejected from the nucleus as β-particle

4. Has higher penetrating power compared to α-particle due to small mass and high velocity
5. Can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium

# Examples

β-decay for caesium-137

# γ-Radiation

1. After emitting α or β-particles, the nucleus of the new element sometimes left in an excited state with excess energy that will be emitted shortly after as γ-radiation.
2. γ-radiation, like X-ray, is high-energy electromagnetic radiation with very short wavelength ( to m)
3. Highest ionizing power and penetrating power
4. Can be stopped by think block of lead
5. γ-radiation is neutral and is not affected by electric or magnetic field

# Examples

γ-radiation from excited Plutonium

# References

• Plutonium-240
• 방사선