Explaining Alpha Beta & Gamma - Can Someone Help?

In summary, Alpha, beta, and gamma are all greek letters used as symbols for different physical quantities. In the context of radiation, alpha particles are He-4 nuclei, beta particles are electrons or positrons that come from neutrons in a nuclear reaction, and gamma rays are photons emitted by nuclear reactions or annihilation.
  • #1
AnthreX
47
0
i get what alpha is
but i do not really get what betta and gamma is

can someone please explain to me ?

thanx
 
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  • #2
They're just greek letters. Their meaning as symbols for physical quantities (even by convention) depends greatly upon context. Are you talking about special relativity? Quantum mechanics?

- Warren
 
  • #3
That grouping suggests you are discussing radiation. Alphas are He-4 nuclei, betas are electrons or positrons, and gammas are photons (electromagnetic).
 
  • #4
swansont said:
betas are electrons or positrons
More specifically, they are electrons or positrons that came from neutrons. In a nuclear reaction, a neutron can be broken into a proton and an electron, that electron is called a beta particle.
 
  • #5
alpha is the particle from an unstable nucleus

he-4 yes it is

beta is an electron but where does it come from? is it from the nucleus ?

gamma is a ray which is has no mass and just like light


this is all i know about beta and gamma

can somone add something to my statement ?
 
  • #6
Beta radiation is (basically) formed by either of the reactions oir simlair reacions

[tex]n \rightarrow p^+ + e^- + \bar{\nu}_e[/tex]

[tex]p^+ \rightarrow n + e^+ + \nu_e[/tex]

In most cases the neutron and the proton (all in the protons case) will be assocaited will be part of a nucleus so in effect the beta particle will come from the nucleus.

Gamma rays are simply photons that are produced by nuclear reactions (for example sometimes after beta decay the daughter nucleus is left in an excited state and will emit a gamma photon) or anihilation (for example):

[tex]e^+ e^- \rightarrow \gamma\gamma[/tex]
 

1. What are alpha, beta, and gamma rays?

Alpha, beta, and gamma rays are types of radiation that are emitted during radioactive decay. Alpha rays are positively charged particles, beta rays are negatively charged particles, and gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves.

2. What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma rays?

The main difference between these types of radiation is their ability to penetrate materials. Alpha rays can be stopped by a sheet of paper, beta rays can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum, and gamma rays can only be stopped by thick layers of lead.

3. How are alpha, beta, and gamma rays used in science?

Alpha, beta, and gamma rays are used in various scientific fields such as medicine, nuclear energy, and environmental studies. They can be used for radiation therapy in cancer treatment, as a power source in nuclear reactors, and to measure and monitor radiation levels in the environment.

4. Are alpha, beta, and gamma rays harmful to humans?

All types of radiation can be harmful to humans, but the level of harm depends on the type of radiation and the dose received. Alpha and beta rays can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, but they can be easily shielded against. Gamma rays are more penetrating and can cause harm at lower doses, but they can also be shielded against with proper protection.

5. How are alpha, beta, and gamma rays detected?

Alpha, beta, and gamma rays can be detected using specialized instruments such as Geiger counters, scintillation detectors, and ionization chambers. These instruments measure the amount and type of radiation present in a given area and can help scientists monitor and control radiation levels in various settings.

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