Watch the video below about alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Pay close attention to how alpha, beta, and gamma radiation is affected by a magnetic field and how the radiation can be stopped.
Watch the video below about alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Pay close attention to how alpha, beta, and gamma radiation is affected by a magnetic field and how the radiation can be stopped.
Source: Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation demonstrated, AtomicTRG, You Tube
Click on the blanks in the table below to see the missing information about alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
| Type of radiation | Alpha particle | Beta particle | Gamma ray |
| Symbol | α or superscript 4 subscript 2 4 2 He or superscript 4 subscript 2 4 2 α | β or superscript 0 subscript -1 0 -1 β or superscript 4 subscript 2 0 -1 e | γ or superscript 0 subscript 0 0 0 γ |
| Mass | Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________ 4 Interactive button. Assistance may be required. | 0 | 0 |
| Charge | +2 | Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________ -1 | Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________ 0 |
| Speed | Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________ slow | Fast | Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________ very fast |
| Penetrating Power | Low | Medium | High |
| Stopped by | Piece of paper | Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________ Aluminum foil, block of wood, skin | Interactive button. Assistance may be required. __________ Thick piece of lead or concrete |
Source: Alpha beta gamma radiation penetration, Ehamberg, Wikimedia commons
The image above shows how alpha particle can be blocked by paper. The beta particle can be blocked by aluminum. To block gamma radiation, a thick dense substance such as lead must be used.