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Properties of Alpha, Beta and Gamma Rays

During radioactivity, particles like alpha, beta & gamma rays are emitted by an atom, due to unstable atom
trying to gain stability. Hence, the atoms eventually decay by emitting a particle that transforms when they are
unstable and transforms the nucleus into a lower energy state. This process of decaying continues till the
nucleus attains a stable stage.

There exist three major types of radiations emitted by the radioactive (https://byjus.com/physics/radioactive-
decay/) particles namely:

Alpha
Beta
Gama

These radiations are released from the nucleus of an atom. Their behavior differs from one another, though all
the three causes some ionization and carry some penetration power. Let’s discuss the properties of beta,
alpha and gamma one by one.

Alpha Rays
Alpha rays are the positively charged particles. Alpha-particle is highly active and energetic helium atom that
contains two neutrons and protons.  These particles have the minimum penetration power and highest
ionization power. They can cause serious damage if get into the body due to their high ionization power. They
are capable of ionizing numerous atoms by a short distance. It is due to the fact that the radioactive
substances that release alpha particles are required to be handled after wearing rubber gloves.
Beta Rays
Beta particles are extremely energetic electrons that are liberated from the inner nucleus. They bear negligible
mass and carry the negative charge. A neutron in the nucleus splits into a proton and an electron on the
emission of a beta particle. Hence, it is the electron that is emitted by the nucleus at a rapid pace. Beta
particles have a higher penetration power when compared to alpha particles and can travel through the skin
with ease. Beta particles can be dangerous and any contact with the body must be avoided, though their
ionization power is low.

Gamma Rays
The waves arising from the high-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum that has no mass are known
as gamma rays. They hold the highest power of penetration. They are the most penetrating but least ionizing
and very difficult to resist them from entering the body. The Gamma rays carry a large amount of energy and
can also travel via thick concrete and thin lead.

The below table describes the characteristics of beta, alpha and gamma radiations and compares the masses
and charges of the three rays.

Propert α β γ

y ray ray
Swipe left ray

 Nature Positive charged particles, Negatively charged particles Uncharged ?

2He 4 nucleus (electrons). ~0.01a, electromagnetic
radiation

Charge +2e –e 0

Mass 6.6466 × 10–27 kg 9.109 × 10–31 kg 0

Range ~10 cm in air, can be Upto a few m in air, can be Several m in air, can be
stopped by 1mm of stopped by a thin layer of stopped by a thick layer of
Aluminium Aluminium Lead

Natural By natural radioisotopes By radioisotopes e.g.29Co68 Excited nuclei formed as a

Source e.g.92U236 result of Gamma decay
s

Stay tuned with Byju’s to learn more about characteristics of alpha, beta and gamma rays along with their
differentiation and common features.

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