Alpha (α\alphaα), beta (β\betaβ), and gamma (γ\gammaγ) radiations are emitted by radioactive sources.
Which statement about their properties is correct?
γ\gammaγ-radiation consists of electromagnetic waves and is the most penetrating radiation.
β\betaβ-radiation consists of uncharged particles and is the least highly ionising radiation.
α\alphaα-radiation consists of charged particles and is the most penetrating radiation.
γ\gammaγ-radiation consists of charged particles and is the most highly ionising radiation.
484 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2 Radioactivity, covering 5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate, 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission, 5.2.2b Deflection and ionising effects of nuclear radiation, 5.2.3a Radioactive decay, 5.2.3b Effects of decay on the nucleus and decay equations, 5.2.4a Half-life, 5.2.4b Choosing isotopes for applications, and 5.2.5 Effects of ionising radiation and safety precautions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.