This comparison covers Comparing Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation within Radioactive Decay for GCSE Physics. Revise Radioactive Decay in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 7 of 14 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
⚖️ Comparing Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation
| Property | Alpha (α) | Beta (β) | Gamma (γ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | 2p + 2n (He-4 nucleus) | Fast electron | Electromagnetic wave |
| Charge | +2 | −1 | 0 |
| Mass | 4 u | ~0 | 0 |
| Range in air | Few cm | ~1 m | Unlimited (reduced) |
| Stopped by | Paper, skin | Few mm aluminium | Thick lead / concrete |
| Ionising power | High | Medium | Low |
| Speed | Slow (~0.05c) | Fast (~0.9c) | c (speed of light) |
Practice questions for Radioactive Decay
An alpha particle consists of which particles?
Explain why alpha radiation is described as highly ionising but weakly penetrating.
Quick recall flashcards
Beta particle is?
Fast electron from nucleus
Alpha particle is?
2p + 2n (helium nucleus)