Alpha, Beta, and Gamma are the three types of particles which are the results of radioactive decay. The crucial difference between alpha, beta, and gamma particles lies in their charge constituent. Alpha is a positively charged particle, beta is negatively or positively charged. On the contrary, gamma particle has no charge and so is neutral. Basically,
radioactive decay is a process in which unstable atomic nuclei releases energy in order to get stabilized. And this release of energy takes place in the form of alpha, beta, and gamma rays. With the emission of these particles, the nucleus is transformed into a lower energy state and the decaying continues till the time the nucleus gets stabilized. So, the particles whose emission stabilizes an unstable nucleus are alpha, beta, and gamma. These three are differentiated on the basis
of the behavior possessed by them and the penetration power. Radioactivity was discovered by Henry Becquerel in the year 1896. Further, it was discovered by Rutherford between 1900 to 1903 that alpha, beta, and gamma are the radioactive substances that are emitted as the result of radioactivity. Here we will discuss the various differences between the three. Content: Alpha Vs Beta Vs Gamma Particles
Comparison Chart
Definition of Alpha ParticleAlpha particle is also known as alpha rays. An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons bounded together similar to a helium nucleus. So, alpha decay results in an alpha particle. Alpha particles generally possess kinetic energy of 5 MeV and have a velocity of around 5% of the velocity of light. As it has 2 protons and there is no electron present to balance the two positive charges thus in total the charge on the single alpha particle is +2. Definition of Beta ParticleThese are also called beta rays and are unit negatively or positively charged particles emitted during beta decay. Beta particles have a kinetic energy of about 0.5 MeV and propagate approximately with the speed of light. An unstable atom that is rich in neutron produces beta particles. In this, basically, the unstable atom gets stabilized by removing the neutrons and transforming them into electrons or positrons. Definition of Gamma ParticleGamma particles are also known as gamma rays and are chargeless. These are high-energy photons that carry electromagnetic waves. The energy of gamma rays lies between a few KeV to around 8 MeV and sometimes extremely high energy gamma rays have 100 to 1000 TeV range. As these possess no properties of a charged substance thus remain unaffected
from the electric and magnetic field. And thus, there occurs no chemical element variation when a gamma particle is emitted. Key Differences Between Alpha, Beta, Gamma Particles
ConclusionSo, the above discussion concludes that according to the property possessed alpha, beta, and gamma particles are differentiated. Alpha particles are used in radiotherapy during the treatment of cancer as it has low penetration ability thus the chances of damage to healthy cells are least. While beta particles are used to check for the thickness of the material and gamma particles are used in the nuclear industry. What is the difference between alpha beta and gamma radiation GCSE?Penetrating properties
For example, alpha radiation travels only a few centimetres in air, beta radiation travels tens of centimetres in air, and gamma radiation travels very large distances. All types of radiation become less intense as they travel further away from the radioactive material.
What are the 3 types of radiation?Radiation is energy, in the form of particles or electromagnetic rays, released from radioactive atoms. The three most common types of radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
What is the relationship between alpha beta and gamma?Relation between Alpha, Beta, and Gamma in Thermal Expansion can be written as α = β 2 = γ 3 . Here, α is the coefficient of linear expansion, β is the coefficient of aerial expansion, γ is the coefficient of cubical expansion.
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