Question

Of the following types of radiations, the only one to be deflected in a magnetic field is:
A. X-rays
B. \[\gamma \]- rays
C. $\beta $- rays
D. neutrons

Answer 1

Hint: Radiation is an energy in the form of electro-magnetic waves or particulate matter, traveling in the air. If a charged particle is moving in a magnetic field, it experiences a deflection. Deflection in the magnetic field occurs only for charged particles.

Complete step by step answer:
If the nucleus is stable, it does not spontaneously emit any kind of radioactivity. If the nucleus is unstable, it has the tendency of emitting some kind of radiation. Unstable nuclides can become stable by releasing different types of particles. This is called radioactive decay.
Radiations are of two types-ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiations are a type of radiation that is able to disrupt atoms and molecules on which they pass through, giving rise to ions and free radicals. Radioactive material produces alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
Radioactive decay are of six types-alpha, beta, gamma, positron, electron capture and fission.
\[\gamma \] decay is an emission of nuclear photons from excited nuclei. The unstable nucleus has excess energy. It expels this energy as \[\gamma \]- rays in order to be stable. They have high frequency. They are most penetrating. It has no charge. It does not deflect in a magnetic field.
X-rays is the result of the transition of orbital electrons.
$\beta $ decay occurs in neutron rich nuclei. One neutron converts to proton and electron, then the $\beta $ rays will be ejected from the radioactive nucleus. They have the same charge and mass as electrons. They deflect strongly in the opposite direction.
$\alpha $ rays are positively charged. They slightly deflect in the magnetic field.
Since X-rays do not have net charge, it does not deflect in the magnetic field.
Since X-rays, \[\gamma \] rays, neutrons do not have charges, $\beta $ rays only deflect in the magnetic field.
Thus, the correct option is C.

Note:
X-rays are produced outside the nucleus in the electron shell. \[\gamma \] rays are emitted from the nucleus of radioisotopes and are usually associated with alpha or beta emission. They are called photons. They have no mass and no charge.