Types of radioactive emission

• Alpha(α):

  Nature: Helium nucleus (2 protons and neutrons)

  Charge: +2

  Penetration: stopped by paper

  Effect from fields: deflected

  Ionizing effect: very strong

  Speed: $\frac{1}{10}v\ of\ light$
• Beta(β):

  Nature: One high speed electron

  Charge: -1

  Penetration: stopped by aluminium

  Effect from fields: very deflected

  Ionizing effect: weak

  Speed: $\frac{9}{10}v\ of\ light$
• Gamma(γ):

  Nature: Electro-magnetic radiation

  Charge: none

  Penetration: Only reduced by lead

  Effect from fields: not deflected

  Ionizing effect: very weak

  Speed: $v\ of\ light$