NUCLEAR RADIATION

Particle	Nature	Charge	Mass	Ionisation Strength	Penetration Strength (can be stopped by)	Deflection in electric & magnetic field	Detection in Cloud Chamber
Alpha 4 2 a	2 protons + 2 neutrons	+ 2	4 proton mass	strongest (+2 valency)	piece of paper/skin	small deflection (heavy mass)	strong ionisation lines
Beta 0 -1 b	1 electron	- 1	1/1800 of proton mass	medium (only -1 valency)	sheet of glass/perspex	largest deflection (light mass)	weak ionisation lines
Gamma g	electromagnetic wave	no charge	no mass	weak (no valency)	lead only absorbs half	no effect (no charge)	faint ionisation spots

Penetration Strength of Radioactive Particles back to top

Deflections of Radioactive Particles

in an Electric Field

in a Magnetic Field

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Ionisation Tracks in a Cloud Chamber

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

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