Types of Radioactive Emissions and Particles

Alpha Decay ($\alpha$)

Emission of a helium nucleus containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons, with a charge of +2 and a mass of approximately 4 u.

Beta-Minus Decay ($\beta^-$)

Emission of a high-speed electron when a neutron converts into a proton, with a charge of -1 and a negligible mass.

Positron Emission / Beta-Plus Decay ($\beta^+$)

Emission of a positron when a proton converts into a neutron, with a charge of +1 and a negligible mass.

Gamma Radiation ($\gamma$)

High-frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from an excited nucleus, with no charge and no mass.

Penetrating Power of Alpha Particles

Very low; can be stopped by a single sheet of paper or the outer layer of human skin.

Ionizing Power of Alpha Particles

Extremely high due to their large mass and +2 charge.

Hazard Level of Gamma Radiation

Severe external and internal hazard; penetrates the human body and damages deep internal organs and tissues.

Charge of Beta-Minus Particles

-1.

Ionizing Power of Gamma Radiation

Lower ionizing density per interaction, but highly dangerous due to its ability to travel deeply into matter.

Composition of Alpha Particles

A helium nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Hazard Level of Alpha Particles

Low risk externally; extremely hazardous internally if inhaled or ingested.

Penetrating Power of Beta Particles

Moderate; penetrates skin and soft tissue, but is stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum.

Composition of Gamma Radiation

High-frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted when an excited nucleus drops to a lower energy state.

Charge of Gamma Radiation

0.

Mass of Gamma Particles

0 u.

Composition of Beta-Plus Particles

A positron, the antimatter counterpart of an electron.