Alpha
Beta
Gamma
α
β
γ
2 protons, 2 neutrons
1 electron
1 photon
Symbol Composed of…
Helium nucleus Fast moving (high energy) electron
A.K.A.
Chemical Symbol
4 2
Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation
0 0
He
0 −1
Charge (e)
+2
-1
0
Mass (kg)
6.64 x 10-27
9.11 x 10-31
0
Ionising Power
Large
Small
Tiny
Absorbed by…
Paper, Skin
Al (~ 5mm) Pb (2-3mm)
Concrete ( > 1m) Pb (several cm)
~ 5cm
~ 1m
∞
Magnetic Field
deflected
deflected (opposite to α)
unaffected
Electric Field
deflected
deflected (opposite to α)
unaffected
Range in air
e
γ