Ionising Effect
- All alpha, beta and gamma emission can cause ionising effect.
- Alpha particle has high ionizing power.Beta particle has low ionizing power.
- Gamma ray has very low ionizing power.
Penetrating Power
Deflection in Electric Field
Deflection in Magnetic Field
- Alpha and beta emission can be deflected by a magnetic field.
- The direction of deflection can be determined by using Fleming’s Left Hand Rule.
- Beta particle deflected more compare to alpha particle due to its much smaller mass.
Summary
| Characteristic |
Alpha Particle
|
Beta Particle
|
Gamma Ray
|
| Symbol |
α
|
β
|
γ |
| Nature |
Nucleus of Helium
|
High speed electron | Electromagnetic wave |
| Charge |
+2
|
-1
|
Neutral
|
| Ionizing Effect |
strong
|
weak
|
Very weak
|
| Absorted by | Sheet of writing paper |
About 5mm of aluminium
|
Never fully absorded. 25mm of lead reduces intensity to half
|
| Deflection in Electric Field |
Can be deflected
|
Can be deflected
|
Not deflected
|
| Deflection in magnetic Field |
Can be deflected
|
Can be deflected
|
Not deflected
|
| Speed |
Up to 10% of the speed of light
|
Up to 90% of the speed of light
|
Speed of light
|