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Question

What are the 3 types of radiation?


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Solution

Radiations:

  1. Radiation is energy that moves through space at the speed of light from a source.
  2. This energy is coupled with an electric and magnetic field, and it exhibits wave-like qualities.
  3. Radiation is sometimes known as "electromagnetic waves."

Types of Radiations:

Alpha particles:

  1. Positively charged particles are alpha rays.
  2. The alpha particle is a highly active and energetic helium atom with two neutrons and two protons.
  3. These particles have the least penetrating power but the greatest ionization power.
  4. Because of their great ionization strength, they can cause considerable harm if they enter the body.
  5. They are capable of ionizing a large number of atoms over a short distance.

Beta particles:

  1. The inner nucleus releases very powerful electrons known as beta particles.
  2. They have a negligible mass and a negative charge.
  3. When a beta particle emits, a neutron in the nucleus separates into a proton and an electron.
  4. As a result, the electron is rapidly expelled by the nucleus.
  5. Beta particles have a higher penetrating strength than alpha particles and may easily pass through the skin.
  6. Even though their ionization strength is limited, beta particles can be harmful and any contact with the body should be avoided.

Gamma rays:

  1. Gamma rays are waves that originate at the high-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum and have no mass.
  2. They have the greatest penetrating power.
  3. They are the most penetrating but least ionizing, and it is quite difficult to keep them out of the body.
  4. Gamma rays have a high energy density and can pass through thick concrete and thin lead.


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