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ALPHA |
BETA |
GAMMA |
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SYMBOL |
a |
b |
c |
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DETAILS OF EMISSION |
Alpha Particles are a single particle consisting of two Protons and two neutrons An Alpha Particle is identical to the nucleus of a Helium Atom |
There are two types of Beta 1) A Proton turns into an Neutron by emitting an antineutrino and a NEGATIVE beta particle 2) A Neuron turns into a Proton by emitting a neutrino and a POSITIVE beta particle |
Gamma rays are high energy PHOTONS. Emitted when a radioactive nucleus decays. |
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PENETRATION |
Poor- Only through thin Materials. Air can stop it E.g. Alpha particles from polonium-210 travel 3.8cm through air before being completely stopped |
LOW/Medium Because of the size (and the fact that Beta particles are ejected at higher speeds) Beta will penetrate considerably more matter than Alpha E>G 3 or four layers of paper/ thin Aluminum |
HIGH- Gamma rays have great penetration. In some cases they can even pass through several inches of Lead |