How is gamma different from alpha and beta radiation?

Answer 1

Alpha, beta and gamma are three types of ionizing radiation. When they collide with atoms, they knock electron(s) out, leaving an ionized atom behind. At each collision, they lose energy.

Alpha particles are the bare nuclei of helium atoms: two protons and two neutrons. They are relatively large, slow particles, and do not penetrate into materials: they are stopped by a sheet of paper, or by the skin.

Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positions. They are much smaller and lighter than alpha particles, and start at much higher speeds. They can penetrate paper, but are stopped by a thin metal foil.

Gamma rays are the shortest possible wavelength of electromagnetic radiation/Iight waves/photons). They are highly penetrating and only stopped by extremely thick lead or some equivalent, thicker, mass of lower density.

Answer 2

Gamma radiation is the most energetic part of the electromagnetic spectrum: beyond visible light, beyond ultraviolet, beyond x-rays. Gamma radiation is highly penetrating: far, far more than alpha or beta radiation.

By contrast, alpha and beta radiation consists of particles. An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom (without electrons) moving at high speed, and a beta particle is an electron or positron, also moving at high speed.

Answer 3

Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation, whereas alpha and beta radiation are forms of particulate radiation.