Which of the following radiations emitted in radioactive decay has momentum, a fairly high penetrating power and is deflected by a magnet?
- alpha particles
-
beta particle
- gamma radiation `
- X-radiation
The correct answer is: B
Explanation
β Particles are equivalent to electrons but arise from radioactive decay of unstable atoms. They are emitted with a continuous range of energies up to a maximum that is characteristic of each radionuclide. Electrons have a greater range and penetrating power, but much less ionizing potential compared with α particles.
Beta particles are deflected by a magnetic field in an opposite direction to alpha particles confirming they must hold a charge opposite to alpha particles.