What is the difference between alpha beta and gamma?

Answer 1

• Alpha - these are fast moving helium atoms. They have high energy, typically in the MeV range, but due to their large mass, they are stopped by just a few inches of air, or a piece of paper.
• Beta - these are fast moving electrons. They typically have energies in the range of a few hundred keV to several MeV. Since electrons are might lighter than helium atoms, they are able to penetrate further, through several feet of air, or several millimeters of plastic or less of very light metals.
• Gamma - these are photons, just like light, except of much higher energy, typically from several keV to several MeV. X-Rays and gamma rays are really the same thing, the difference is how they were produced. Depending on their energy, they can be stopped by a thin piece of aluminum foil, or they can penetrate several inches of lead.

Answer 2

Alpha, beta, and gamma are types of radiation emitted during radioactive decay. Alpha particles are positively charged, heavy, and have low penetration power, stopped by skin or paper. Beta particles are fast-moving electrons or positrons with higher penetration power, stopped by aluminum or plastic. Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves with the highest penetration power, requiring thick lead or concrete to shield.

Answer 3

• Beta radiation is particles of either electrons or positrons
• gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation
• Alpha radiation is particles where each particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons (helium nucleus)

In addition, gamma has the strongest penetration followed by beta, and followed by alpha radiation