Radium-226 emits alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) radiation. Explain how the properties of alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) radiation affect the level of the hazard at different distances.

Explanation:

alpha

Alpha Radiation (α): A large, unstable nucleus decays to produce a smaller, more stable nucleus and an alpha particle (identical to a helium nucleus, ⁴₂He or ⁴₂α).

It has a very high ionizing energy and low penetrating power. It can be stopped by paper skin

Beta Radiation (β): A neutron in an unstable nucleus decays, forming a proton and emitting a beta (β) particle (identical to an electron, ⁰₋₁e or ⁰₋₁b) and resulting in a more stable nucleus.

It has high ionizing energy and penetrating power. It can be stopped by aluminium sheet

Gamma Radiation (γ): An unstable nucleus releases energy in the form of a high energy photon (no mass)to become more stable; this often accompanies other forms of radioactivity.

It has very high penetrating power and very low ionizing energy. It can be stopped by lead block.