Chapter 24.1, Problem 5SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A time line needs to be made summarizing the major events led to the understanding of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.

Concept introduction:

Radiation is defined as the emission of energy through a space and material in the form of wave or particles.

Explanation of Solution

Ernest Rutherford worked with radiation in the year after 1903 and before 1937. The three types of radiations are identified by him making use of charged plates in order to deflect the emission from radioactive sample. The three types of radiation are alpha, beta and gamma with charges +2, -1 and 0 respectively.

Here, alpha particles are positively charged helium ions. The symbol used to represent alpha particles is $\alpha {\text{ or }}_2^4{\text{He}}^{2+}$. Beta particles can be a high speed electron. It is represented as $\beta {\text{ or }}_{-1}^0\text{e}$.

The gamma radiations are high energy radiations with zero charge. The high energy is due to the fact that it consists of shortest wavelength of electromagnetic radiations. They are represented by symbol $\gamma$.