Question

What are the three types of radiation?

Answer 1

Hint: The study of how radiation affects matter chemically is known as radiation chemistry and is a subfield of nuclear chemistry. The material that is chemically transformed by the radiation may not always contain radioactivity, which is a key distinction from radiochemistry. There are three types of radiation that are presently discussed below.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
In Nuclear chemistry, alpha, beta, and gamma rays are some of the particles that radioactive particles release in an endeavour to become stable. An atom produces a particle that lowers the energy of the nucleus when it becomes unstable, as a result. Atoms finally split apart by this mechanism. Until it reaches a stable state, the nucleus is still disintegrating.

There are three main categories of radiation that radioactive particles emit, namely:
i) Alpha $(\alpha )$
ii) Beta$(\beta )$
iii) Gamma$(\gamma )$

Alpha Rays: The positively charged particles are called alpha rays. A helium $(He)$ atom with two neutrons and two protons and unusually high energy are known as an alpha particle.
${}_{Z}^{A}X\to {}_{Z-4}^{A-2}Y+{}_{2}^{4}He$
[ Here $A=$Mass number, $Z=$Atomic number, $X\And Y$are the parent atom and daughter atom respectively. ]

It is the least penetrating and most ionising particle. They have a high ionisation power, which means that if they enter the body, they could do significant harm. They have the power to ionise a large number of atoms very quickly. It's because handling radioactive materials that produce alpha particles necessitates the use of rubber gloves.

Beta rays: Electrons from the inner nucleus are expelled as extremely energetic beta particles. They are negatively charged and have a little mass. Upon the emission of a beta particle, a neutron separates into a proton and an electron in the nucleus.
${}_{Z}^{A}X\to {}_{Z}^{A+1}Y+{}_{0}^{-1}e$
[Here also $Z=$Atomic number, $A=$Mass number, $X=$Parent atom, and $Y=$Daughter atom

As a result, the nucleus is swiftly emitting the electron. In comparison to alpha particles, beta particles are more easily able to penetrate the skin. Despite having a low ionisation intensity, beta particles have the potential to be harmful and should never come into contact with the body.

Gamma rays: Gamma rays are high-frequency, massless waves that are produced by the electromagnetic spectrum. They have the most powerful piercing ability. They are the least ionising and most penetrating particles, making it challenging to stop them from entering the body.
Thus, the three types of radiations are alpha, beta, and gamma radiations respectively.

Note: Beta particles have a negative charge, alpha particles have a positive charge, and gamma rays are neutral. An alpha particle is made up of two protons and two neutrons. Beta particles are thought to be highly energetic electrons. Photons are electromagnetic energy waves, and they are what gamma rays are.