α, β, and γ

Introduction

Nuclear radiation can be broadly classified into three categories. These three categories are labeled with the first three letters of the Greek alphabet: α (alpha), β (beta) and γ (gamma). Alpha radiation consists of a stream of fast-moving helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons). As such, an alpha particle is relatively heavy and carries two positive electrical charges. Beta radiation consists of fast-moving electrons or positrons (an antimatter electron).

A beta particle is much lighter than an alpha, and carries one unit of charge. Gamma radiation consists of photons, which are massless and carry no charge. X-rays are also photons, but carry less energy than gammas.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Develop a model for the relative absorption of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by matter.
• Use a radiation counter to measure the absorption of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by air, paper, and aluminum.
• Analyze the count rate data to test for consistency with your model.