Alpha (α) Particle
Beta (β) Particle
Gamma (γ) Particle
Particle has a positive charge.
Particle has a negative charge.
Particle has no charge.
Atomic number of source
element is decreased by 2.
Atomic number of source
element is increased by one.
Atomic number of source
element remains unchanged.
Particle that is given off consists
of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Particle that is given off consists
of a fast-moving electron.
Particle that is given off contains
a high-energy photon.
Source atom has a decrease in
mass and positive charge.
Source atom has no change in mass &
decrease in negative charge.
Source atom has no change in
mass or charge.
Dangerous if ingested.
Can be stopped by metal foil.
Can be stopped by several inches
of concrete.
Can be stopped by paper or skin.
Can be stopped by wood.
Can be stopped by several cm of
lead.
Particle doesn’t tend to travel far. Less charge than α particle.
Very Dangerous
Particle has an overall positive
charge.
Less mass than α particle.
Can pass through paper, wood,
and the human body.
Mass number of source element
is decreased by 4.
Particle occurs when a neutron splits
into a proton and an electron
Almost no charge or mass.
Symbol for this particle is
Symbol for this particle is
Symbol for this particle is