Properties of Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

Question 1

Properties of alpha radiation

Answer 1

Mass: 4 protons
Charge: +2, impacts ionising ability
Penetrating ability: low, can be stopped by anything thicker than a few pieces of paper or farbric. cannot travel more than few centimetres via air
Ionising Ability: high, can rip electrons off particles, very dangerous if ingested, will attract electrons from other matter

Question 2

Properties of beta radiation

Answer 2

Mass: 1 electron
Charge” +1 (beta positive) -1 (beta negative)
Penetrating ability: moderate (can be stopped by anything thicker than 3mm Al. Cannot travel more than 15cm in air.
Ionising ability: moderate, +1/-1 charge, they can ionise particles they encounter.

Question 3

Properties of Gamma Radiation

Answer 3

Mass: none
Charge: none (impacts ionising ability)
Penetrating ability: high, can be stopped by anything thicker than a few cm of lead, in air can travel over km.
Ionising ability: low