Question

Which of the following statements are false, about the properties of $\alpha$, $\beta$, and $\gamma$ rays?

• A. $\beta$-rays travel faster than $\alpha$-rays.
• B. $\gamma$-rays cannot cause fluorescence.
• C. Thin gold foils can scatter $\alpha$-rays.
• D. $\gamma$-emission always happens after an $\alpha$-emission.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B $\gamma$-rays cannot cause fluorescence.
D $\gamma$-emission always happens after an $\alpha$-emission.

Some of the properties of $\alpha$, $\beta$ and $\gamma$ - rays are:

• $\beta$ - particles travel faster than $\alpha$-rays. However, they are slower than $\gamma$-rays, which travel at the speed of light.
• $\alpha$, $\beta$ and $\gamma$ rays, all produce fluorescence, when they strike a fluorescent material.
• $\alpha$-rays scatter in all possible directions, when they pass through thin foils of metals like gold.
• $\gamma$-rays may be emitted after an atomic nucleus undergoes $\alpha$ or $\beta$-emission, and hence, is not a mandatory case.