– Why are alpha- and beta radiation referred as particles, whilst gamma radiation as rays?

Question

– Why are alpha- and beta radiation referred as particles, whilst gamma radiation as rays?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Because ALpha and Beta radiation are actual particles with mass.

Alpha radiation are effectively chiunks of Atomic nuclei being blasted off at extreme speeds(usually in the form os helium nucleus comprised of 2 protons and 2 neutrons)

Beta radiation are electrons at high speeds

Gamma radiation are high energy photons(a particle WITHOUT mass) at extremely high frequencies(meaning very high energy) which causes them to be highly penetrative.