Rays and their Properties

When uranium salts were found to create obscure outflows in 1896, two kinds of radiation, X-rays and cathode beams, were found. Around then, electrons and photons were not known.

A Beta ray (β) is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted by radioactive decay. A Gamma-ray (γ) is a parcel of electromagnetic energy (photon) discharged by the core of some radionuclides following radioactive decay. Gamma photons are the most energetic photons in the electromagnetic range. Beta and Gamma rays are the beams transmitted during a substance’s radioactivity. 

Beta radiation

Beta radiation comprises a flood of electrons named beta particles. β particles are electrons moving at high rates. Beta rays comprise electrons of high energy. They are less ionising than Alpha rays, yet they are more destructive as they infiltrate the skin. With an aluminium sheet, they can be halted. The speed of their outflow is practically the speed of light. They have a range of energy. A positron is an emphatically charged molecule compared to an electron. On the discharge of a beta molecule, a neutron in the core gets changed over to a proton. Henceforth, the mass number of remaining parts is unaltered; however, the nuclear number increments by one unit. The most well-known illustration of beta emanation is the debasement of radioactive copper, which, in the wake of radiating one electron, leaves behind a nickel atom.

Beta decay happens in two forms: positive β+ decay and negative β- decay. β- emanation happens when one core neutron is changed into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. β+ degeneration is a comparative cycle. However, it includes the change of a proton into a neutron, positron, and neutrino. 

The properties of beta particles 

• Beta particles are fast electrons sent from the centre of an atom.
• Beta particles are emitted from the centre of the atom, while cathode rays radiate from its orbital electrons.
• The speed of Beta particles is in the range of 108 m/s.
• Beta particles ionise the gas through which they pass.
• The Penetration power of Beta particles is more than that of Alpha particles.
• Beta particles impact a visual plate.

Gamma radiation

Gamma rays were first observed during radioactive decay. In 1899, Rutherford first described these rays. Initially, he considered them as fast beta particles. However, with the help of a magnetic field test, he established that they have no charged particles. In 1914, with the help of a reflection test on the crystal surface, it was proved that these rays were nothing but EM waves.

Origination of Gamma rays 

Gamma rays are produced in different kinds of reactions, but we shall focus only on the radioactive decay reactions.

During a radioactive decay reaction, Alpha or Beta rays occur in a nucleus of an atom that gets excited. Just like an electron returns to its lower energy state by emitting photons (not a gamma-ray photon), in the same way, an excited “daughter” nucleus also emits photons of the lowest wavelengths for gaining stability. Such reactions are one of the important sources of gamma rays.

There is another type of reaction where electron capture produces Gamma rays. This is the opposite process of Beta production.

Some other sources of Gamma rays

• Massive amounts of gamma rays are produced during a supernova explosion. 

• Lightning also produces gamma-rays in the Earth’s atmosphere. 

The properties of gamma rays 

• Ionisation potential: Ionising power is the capacity of that radiation to ionise other molecules when it is passed through it. This ionisation happens because when radiation passes through a medium, the atoms of that medium lose electrons and get ionised. The more the magnitude of this property, the more the radiation will have ionising power. Gamma rays have very low ionising power.
• Penetration effect: Radiation can penetrate the human body or even walls. This is called the penetration effect. Gamma rays have high penetrating power. 

In general, ionising power rises when mass increases, but the penetration power declines.

Conclusion 

Beta particles are electrons that move rapidly. A Beta particle is multiple times smaller than an Alpha molecule. Their tiny size enables them to infiltrate apparel and skin. Since they can infiltrate human skin, they can damage tissues.

Gamma rays are the most dangerous type of ionising radiation. These high-energy photons can go through almost everything since they have no mass. It takes thick lead walls or a few feet of cement to hinder gamma rays adequately. They go through the whole human body, affecting all the tissues from your skin to the marrow of your bones. They can cause serious injuries.