Question

Describe briefly, two properties of each of $\alpha and\beta particles.$

Answer 1

Radioactivity:-

1. Any spontaneous nuclear emission like $alpha\left(\alpha \right),beta\left(\beta \right)andgamma\left(\gamma \right)$ particles from an unstable nucleus trying to gain stability this process is called radioactivity.

Properties of alpha $\left(\alpha \right)$ particles:-

1. Alpha particles are positively charged particles. It is a highly active and energetic helium atom that consists of two neutrons and two protons.
2. Alpha particles have the highest ionization power.
3. Alpha particles can cause serious damage, if they get into the body due to their high ionization power.

Properties of beta $\left(\beta \right)$ particles:-

1. Beta particles are extremely energetic electrons that are liberated from the nucleus.
2. Beta particles are negligible mass and carry the negatively charged particles.
3. When a neutron in the nucleus splits into a proton and an electron on the emission of beta particles.

$\underset{neutron}{\underbrace{{}_{°}{}^{1}n}}\to \underset{proton}{\underbrace{{}_{+1}{}^{1}e}}+\underset{betaparticles\left(electron\right)}{{}_{-1}{}^{\circ }e}$

4. Beta particles have a higher penetration power as compared to alpha particles and their ionization power is low as compared to alpha particles.