Question

A radioactive source emits three types of radiation.
a) Name the radiation which travels with the speed of light.
b) Name the radiation which has the highest ionising power.
c) Name the radiation consisting of the same kind of particles as the cathode rays.

Answer 1

(a) Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves which are massless and travel with the speed of light.
(b) Alpha radiations have the highest ionizing power. Alpha particles have the maximum mass when compared to other radiation. Alpha particles, due to their size, interact with medium particles most and ionize the medium easily.
(c) Cathode rays consists of stream of electrons. Beta radiations are also negatively charged just like electrons of cathode ray.