Types of Radiation
alpha (𝛼)
> can barely penetrate a piece of paper
beta (ꞵ)
> can penetrate aluminum to a depth of about 3 mm and no further
gamma (𝛾)
> can penetrate lead to a depth of 2 or more cm
> most dangerous type of radiation
Types of Decay
Alpha Decay
In 𝛼-decay, the nucleus loses 2 protons and 4 neutrons.
** since in 𝛼-decay protons of the original element are lost, a new element is created in the reaction **
Beta Decay
In ꞵ-decay, the mass stays the same but a neutron becomes a proton to release energy and a high energy electron is created.
** since in ꞵ-decay more protons are added to the original element, a new element is created in the reaction **
Gamma Decay
In 𝛾-decay, the mass again does not change. Overall gamma decay does not have much of an effect.
References
Libretexts. “17.3: Types of Radioactivity: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Decay.” Chemistry LibreTexts, Libretexts, 26 Jan. 2021, https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/can/intro/17%3A_Radioactivity_and_Nuclear_Chemistry/17.03%3A_Types_of_Radioactivity%3A_Alpha%2C_Beta%2C_and_Gamma_Decay.
