Question

In a tabular form, compare the properties of Alpha, beta and gamma ray

Answer 1

Answer:

Alpha is a particle, basically a fully ionized helium nucleus, ejected by decay of a radioactive isotope atom. See Alpha decay

Beta is a particle, a highly energetic electron or positron ejected by decay of a neutron or proton in a radioactive isotope atom. See Beta decay

Gamma radiation comprises highly energetic photons above the x-ray energy range that may arise in nuclear decay or reach earth from space..

In one example, Cobalt-60 decays to release a beta particle followed by gamma radiation from the resulting nickel 60.

Alpha rays are helium nuclei with energies of few MeV; they are easily stopped by a sheet of paper (~100 microns) or human skin, and can cause damage only if you swallow the radioactive source, or if your skin is contaminated - then you’ll get a local radioactive burn.

Beta rays are electrons with typical energies about 1MeV; they can penetrate a few centimeters of human body, but are completely stopped by a couple of millimeters of steel.

Gamma-rays are high-energy photons (~1MeV and more), so they are basically very high-energy X-rays. It is not easy to shield against them - one will need a few centimeters of lead (Pb) or tens of centimeters of steel or concrete.

The names are purely historical, there is very little in common between these types of radioactivity.