Three types of radioation - Alpha, Beta, Gamma.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.

Alpha/beta particles and gamma rays are the three most common forms of radiation emitted by unstable or radioactive isotopes.

An alpha particle is just a helium nucleus without any electrons -- two protons and two neutrons.

Gamma rays have much higher penetrating power than alpha rays.

Radioactive nuclei emit three types of radiations :-

Physicists have called the three types of radiations emitted by radioactive nuclei, alpha, beta and gamma.

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Rays

Introduction:
Alpha, beta, and gamma rays are types of radiation that are emitted from atoms during the process of radioactive decay. These rays have different properties and interact with matter in distinct ways. Understanding the characteristics of these radiation types is crucial as they can have various implications in different fields, including medicine, industry, and research.

Alpha Rays:
Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them identical to helium nuclei. These particles have a positive charge and are relatively large in size compared to other types of radiation. Some key points about alpha rays include:

- Charge: Alpha particles carry a positive charge due to their two protons.
- Mass: They have a relatively large mass, which makes them heavier than beta and gamma rays.
- Penetration: Due to their size and charge, alpha particles have low penetration power. They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.
- Ionization: Alpha particles cause high ionization in matter due to their strong interaction with electrons in atoms.
- Biological impact: While they can be harmful when inhaled or ingested, alpha particles are less dangerous when external to the body.

Beta Rays:
Beta particles are high-energy electrons (beta minus) or positrons (beta plus) emitted during radioactive decay. They have distinct properties that differentiate them from alpha and gamma rays. Key characteristics of beta rays include:

- Charge: Beta particles have a negative charge (beta minus) or positive charge (beta plus).
- Mass: They have a smaller mass compared to alpha particles.
- Penetration: Beta particles have higher penetration power than alpha particles. They can penetrate through a few millimeters to a few centimeters of material, depending on their energy.
- Ionization: Beta particles cause less ionization compared to alpha particles due to their smaller size.
- Biological impact: Beta particles can penetrate the skin and cause damage to living tissues. However, they can be shielded by materials such as plastic or aluminum.

Gamma Rays:
Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation similar to X-rays but with higher energy. They are emitted during radioactive decay and have distinct properties from alpha and beta particles. Key features of gamma rays include:

- Charge: Gamma rays are neutral and do not carry any charge.
- Mass: They have no mass and travel at the speed of light.
- Penetration: Gamma rays have the highest penetration power among the three types of radiation. They can penetrate through several centimeters to several meters of material.
- Ionization: Gamma rays cause less ionization compared to alpha and beta particles due to their lack of charge.
- Biological impact: Gamma rays can penetrate the human body, causing damage to cells and DNA. They require thick shielding, such as lead or concrete, to be blocked effectively.

Conclusion:
Understanding the characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma rays is crucial in various fields where radiation is encountered. Alpha particles have low penetration but high ionization, beta particles have moderate penetration and ionization, while gamma rays have high penetration but low ionization. Each type of radiation requires specific precautions and shielding measures to ensure safety and minimize potential harm.