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Alpha Radiation
Alpha rays have the least penetrating power. They also move at a slower velocity than beta or gamma rays. Alpha rays are deflected slightly by a magnetic field in a direction that indicated a positive charge.
(2) Alpha particles penetrate into aluminum only a few thousandths of a centimeter. These particles are deflected toward the negative electric pole. Alpha particles are positively charged and are heavier than beta particles. An alpha particle is a doubly charged helium ion that consists of two neutrons and two protons. They can be emitted only from the nucleus of an atom. Loss of an alpha particle by a nucleus results inthe formation of a new nucleus that is lighter than the original by four mass units. Radioactive Links Alpha Decay Alpha decay reduces the atomic weight of a nucleus. The net effect of alpha radiation and decay is to produce nuclei that is lighter than the original radioactive substance.
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Beta Radiation
Beta rays are more penetrating than alpha rays. They also move at a very high speed. Beta rays are deflected considerably by a magnetic field in a direction that indicates a negative charge.
(2) Beta particles are nearly 100 times more penetrating than alpha particles. These particles are deflected toward the positive electric pole. Radioactive Links Beta Decay Beta decay leaves the mass number unchanged while changing a neutron to a proton.
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Gamma Radiation
Gamma rays have very penetrating power. They are not affected by a magnetic field. They move at the speed of light and have a short wavelength. That means gamma rays have a high frequency. They are also a type of electromagnetic radiation.
(2) Gamma particles are even more pentrating than beta particles. They are usually found in association with alpha and beta emission. Gamma rays possess not charge or mass. This means that the emission of gamma rays by a nucleus does not result in a change in chemical properties of the nucleus but merely a loss of a certain amount of radiant energy. The primary alpha or beta particle and its consequent gamma ray are emitted almost simultaneously. A few cases are know of alpha and beta processes unaccompanied by gamma rays. Radioactive Links Gamma Decay Gamma decay often accompanies alpha or beta decay and affects neither the atomic number not the mass number of the nucleus.
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