Properties of Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

- Alpha Particles

Range: They are large. Can travel around 5cm in air before they collide with air particles and stop.

Penetration Power: Low. They are stopped by a single piece of paper.

Ionising Power (how many ions it makes): Very strongly ionising

- Beta Particles

Range: They can reach 15cm in the air before stopping.

Penetration Power: They are stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium.

Ionising Power: Medium. Quite strongly ionising

- Gamma rays/radiation

Range: It can travel several metres in the air before stopping.

Penetration Power: High It is stopped by several centimetres of lead.

Ionising Power: Weakly ionising

When radiation collides with atoms, that can cause the atoms to lose electrons and form ions