Difference between alpha and beta rays
Alpha rays | Beta rays |
Mass | |
| The mass of earth -particle is nearly four times the mass of the hydrogen nucleus. | Their mass is small, so they are easily scattered by the nuclei of atoms. |
Charge | |
| The charge on -particle is positive. | The charge on -particle is negative. |
Kinetic energy | |
| The kinetic energy of -rays is greater than that of -rays. | The kinetic energy of -rays is less than that of -rays. |
Penetration power | |
| Their penetration power is very small. | Their penetration power is greater than -rays |
Ionization ability | |
| The ionization power of-rays is very large. | Their ionization power of -rays is very small. |
Velocity | |
| The velocity of -raysis from 1.4 x107 to 1.7 x m/s | The velocity of -rays is from 9 x 107 m/s to 27 x 107 m/s |
