how do types of nuclear radiation differ in electric charge?
The types of nuclear radiation differ in electric charge based on the composition of the particles emitted during the process. There are three primary types of nuclear radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
1. Alpha particles: These are positively charged and consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them identical to the helium-4 nucleus. With a charge of +2e (where "e" represents elementary charge), alpha particles have a double positive charge.
2. Beta particles: There are two types of beta particles - beta-minus (β-) and beta-plus (β+).
- Beta-minus particles: These are negatively charged electrons (e-) emitted when a neutron in the nucleus decays into a proton and an electron. Beta-minus particles have a charge of -e, representing a single negative charge.
- Beta-plus particles: These are positively charged positrons (e+) emitted when a proton in the nucleus decays into a neutron and a positron. Since positrons have the same mass as electrons but opposite charge, they carry a charge of +e, representing a single positive charge.
3. Gamma rays: Unlike alpha and beta particles, gamma rays are not composed of particles but are instead electromagnetic radiation. They carry no electric charge and are neutral. Gamma rays have extremely high energy and are often emitted alongside alpha or beta particles during nuclear decay.
To summarize, alpha particles are positively charged (+2e), beta-minus particles are negatively charged (-e), beta-plus particles are positively charged (+e), and gamma rays are neutral (zero charge).