– 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

alpha radiation is fast moving helium-4 nuclei
beta radiation is fast moving electrons
gamma radiation is short wavelength light

So alpha and beta are particles that have mass, gamma is not. You can consider photons particles if you want, but then you can also consider particles with mass waves.