Types of Radiation

There are three primary types of radiation: Alpha, Beta and Gamma rays.

Alpha particles are fast-moving nucleus of helium atoms. They have a positive charge and can be stopped by a piece of paper. Beta particles are moving electrons. However, we recognize Beta plus radiation with positive charge as well. It is represented by positrons – antimatter to electrons. Electrons or positrons can penetrate further than Alpha particles. Beta particles can be stopped by several feet of air, or several millimeters of plastic or less of very light metals. If Beta particles have opposite charge than Alpha particles they react differently in a magnetic field because magnetic force pulls them on the other side. Gamma rays are photons with high energy. Gamma rays are similar to X-Rays. The difference is in the ways how they were produced. Gamma radiation cannot penetrate more than several centimeters of lead.