Beta and Gamma Particles/Rays

Introduction

Most elements in the periodic table have stable nuclei. But certain elements have unstable nuclei. An unstable nucleus tries to get to a stable configuration by decomposing to two or more elements of lesser atomic number. Such unstable elements are called radioactive elements. 

When an atomic nucleus decays, it emits particles such as alpha, beta, and gamma rays. The unstable atom seeks to achieve stability, which causes radioactivity. As a result, when they become unstable, they produce a particle that transforms the nucleus into another nucleus or a lower energy state. The cascade of decays continues until the nucleus reaches a stable state.

Radiation emitted by radioactive particles is divided into three categories. The alpha, beta, and gamma rays are the three types of rays. The nucleus of the atom emits all of these radiations. Even though all three create ionisation and have some penetration strength, their behaviour differs from that of the others. Let’s discuss the relation between beta and gamma function.

Beta Rays

Beta particles are extremely energetic electrons that are ejected from a nucleus’s interior. They have a negative charge and very little mass. A neutron in the nucleus splits into a proton and an electron when a beta particle is emitted. As a result, the beta particle is the electron that is rapidly released from the nucleus. The penetrating capability of beta particles is larger than that of alpha particles, and they can readily pass through the skin. Even though beta particles have less ionisation strength than alpha particles, they are nevertheless harmful, and contact with the body must be avoided. Before heading to the relation between beta and gamma function, let’s discuss the properties of beta rays.

Properties of Beta Particles

1. Beta particles are fast-moving electrons that are emitted from an atom’s nucleus.
2. Although both beta particles and cathode rays are fast-moving electrons, their origins are different. Cathode rays are emitted from the atom’s orbital electrons, while beta-particles are emitted from the nucleus.
3. Beta particles ionise the gas they pass through.
4. Beta-particles have a greater penetration power than alpha particles.
5. A photographic plate is affected by beta particles.

Gamma Rays

Gamma rays are waves that originate at the high-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum and have no mass. They have the most penetrating force. They are the least ionising but the most penetrating, and stopping them from entering the body is quite difficult. These rays have a tremendous amount of energy and can pass through thick concrete and thin lead.

What causes gamma rays to form?

The emission of alpha or beta rays causes a change in the energy of the nucleus during nuclear processes. The emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation stabilises the unstable, excited nucleus. Gamma rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. The nucleus descends to a lower and more stable energy level after emitting gamma rays.

Properties of Gamma radiations

Here’s the list of the properties of gamma radiations:

1. Both gamma radiations are electromagnetic waves similar to X-rays and light, but their wavelength differs from that of X-rays and light.
2. Gamma-rays have a speed similar to the speed of light.
3. Gamma-radiation has a very low ionising power.
4. Gamma rays have an impact on a photographic plate.
5. When gamma radiation collides with a fluorescent material, it causes fluorescence.

Which Is More Dangerous: Alpha, Beta, Or Gamma?

This is a more complicated subject than it appears at first glance because radiation can harm a creature from both the outside and the inside. The ability of alpha, beta, and gamma rays to cause harm both outwardly and inwardly varies.

Let’s take a relation between beta and gamma function in detail!

Alpha rays aren’t very good at penetrating. From the outside, they can’t do much harm. Alpha can be resisted by the outer layer of dead skin on humans, a thick sheet of paper, or a layer of clothing.

On the other hand, Alpha particles have the greatest mass, implying that they have the greatest ionising capability. If an alpha particle enters the body by inhalation or swallowing, it becomes the deadliest.

Only in the event of a nuclear accident or explosion do alpha particles have a chance to enter the system. Once entered, alpha particles can cause severe harm to human and other living things’ tissues.

Speaking of the relation between beta and Gamma function, beta particles are smaller and have less tissue-damaging power. They do, however, have more penetrating power. Beta particles can burn human skin when viewed from the outside. It’d be equivalent to getting a bad sunburn.

Gamma rays possess the highest penetrating power. When a living thing, such as a person, is exposed to gamma rays, the bone marrow and internal organs are at risk of being damaged.

Gamma rays can penetrate through a person’s body, causing tissue and DNA damage. Gamma rays are the most damaging type of radiation, according to scientists.

Conclusion

The unprompted radioactive decay of atomic particles in the form of energy is known as alpha, beta, and gamma rays radiation in radioactivity. The magnetic field can be used to identify these three beams. Alpha and beta particles have opposite charges and deflect in opposite directions, whereas gamma rays don’t transfer any charge and don’t deflect.