Physics
State following four properties each of α, β and γ radiations — (a) nature, (b) charge, (c) mass, and (d) effect of electric field.
Answer
α Radiation
- Nature — Stream of positively charged particles i.e., helium nucleus
- Charge — Positive charge (two times that of a proton) = +3.2 × 10-19 C (or +2e)
- Mass — Four times the mass of proton i.e., 6.68 × 10-27 kg
- Effect of Electric Field — Less deflected
β Radiation
- Nature — Stream of negatively charged particles, i.e., energetic electrons
- Charge — Negative charge = -1.6 × 10-19 C (or –e)
- Mass — Equal to the mass of electron i.e., 9.1 × 10-31 kg
- Effect of Electric Field — More deflected than α radiations, but in a direction opposite to those of α radiations
γ Radiation
- Nature — Highly energetic electromagnetic radiation
- Charge — No charge (Neutral)
- Mass — No mass (rest mass is zero)
- Effect of Electric Field — Undeviated
Related Questions
Figure shows a mixed source R of alpha and beta particles in a thick lead walled container. The particles pass through a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards as shown by x.
(a) Show in the diagram how the particles get affected.
(b) Name the law used in part (a)
What kind of change takes place in a nucleus when a β particle is emitted? Express it by an equation. State whether (a) atomic number, and (b) mass number are conserved in a radioactive β-decay?
Figure shows a radioactive source S in a thick lead walled container having a narrow opening. The radiations pass through an electric field between the plates A and B.
(a) Complete the diagram to show the paths of α, β and γ radiations.
(b) Why is the source S kept in a thick lead walled container with a narrow opening?
(c) Name the radiation which is unaffected by the electrostatic field.
(d) Which radiation is deflected the most. Give reason.
(e) Which among the three radiations causes the least biological damage?
How are γ radiations produced? Mention two common properties of the γ radiations and visible light.