What is the nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation?
Alpha radiation consists of helium-4 nuclei (2 protons and 2 neutrons) emitted by massive nuclei to reduce the amount of nucleons. Beta radiation consists of high-speed electrons, formed when a neutron decays into a proton and an electron. This can balance the neutron to proton ratio. Gamma radiation is electromagnetic in nature. It is emitted to allow a nucleus to get rid of excess energy without decaying.
Alpha radiation (helium nuclei) can be stopped by a sheet of paper but when ingested can ionize and destroy tissues. Beta radiation (energetic electron) can be stopped by a sheet of paper but when ingested can ionize and destroy tissues. Gamma radiation (similar to X-rays but more penetrating electromagnetic radiation) can pass through tissues and even some thicknesses of lead and can interact with the electrons of molecules ionizing and destroying tissues. There is also neutron radiation (no electric charge) that can easily pass through matter but bounces off of hydrogen atoms while slowing down also ionizing and destroying tissues.
