Describes the properties of radiations which are emitted by radioactive nuclei.

Explanation

Characteristics of alpha `(alpha)` particles
`a.` Nature `:` An alpha particle is a helium atom from which two electrons have been removed.
`b.` Mass and charge `:` An alpha particle has a mass of `4 amu` and a charge of `+2 ` units. Therefore, symbol of an alpha particle is `._(2)He^(4)`. ltbr. `c.` Speed `:` Alpha particles have a low speed of upto `10%` of the speed of light. ltbr. `d.` Penetrating power `:` These ray can penetrate an aluminium sheet of `0.002cm` thickness.
`e.` Effect of electric field `:` Alpha particles are positively charged and are deflected strongely by an electrostatic field.
Characteristics of beta `(beta)` particles ltbr. `a.` Nature `:` These rays are made up of stream of electrons.
`b.` Mass and charge `:` The mass of a beta particle is `1//1840am u` and the charge of a beta particle is `-1` unit. The mass of a beta particle is so small that it is taken to be zero in the nuclear reactioins. The symbol of the beta particles is `._(-1)e^(0)`
`c.` Speed `:` The speed of beta particles is `90%` of the speed of light and `10 ` times that of `alpha-` particles.
`d.` Penetrating power `:` They can penetrate an aluminium sheet of upto `0.2cm` thickness.
`e.` Effect of electric field `:` They are heavily deflected by an electrostatic field because of their relatively smaller momentum compared to `alpha-` rays.
Charactersitics of gamms `(gamma)` rays
`a.` Nature `:` Gamma rays are electro`-` magentic radiations with a very short wavelength of the order of `10pm`.
`b.` Mass and charge `:` Gamma rays have no mass and no charge. A gamma ray is represented by the symbol `._(0)gamma^(0)`. ltbr. `c.` Speed`:` Gamma rays travel with the speed of light.
`d.` Penetrating power `:` Gamma rays can penetrate upto `100cm` thick aluminium sheet.
`e.` Effect of electric field `:` Gamma rays are not deflected by an electrostatic field because of the absence of charge and mass associated with them.