Electromagnetic alpha particles

Gamma ray The shortest wavelength and highest energy type of all electromagnetic radiation. It originates in the nucleus of radioactive isotopes along with alpha particle, beta particle, or neutron emissions. 

Whereas Table 2 presents some radiation terms that are pertinent to the following discussion, Table 3 lists the radioisotopes and their half-lives that are suitable to microautoradiography. Of the two types of nuclear radiation, i.e., wavelike electromagnetic radiation (X-ray and gamma ray) and corpuscular radiation (electrons, beta particles, and alpha particles) the latter are the most employable for microautoradiography. The reader is referred to Slater (20) for in-depth discussion of all aspects of radiobiology. 

Radiation Emission or propagation of electromagnetic energy (waves/rays), or the waves/rays themselves a stream of electromagnetic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons, alpha particles) or a mixture of these. The most common source is the sun. [NIH]... 

Three main forms of radioactive decay involve the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. An alpha particle is equivalent to the nucleus of a helium atom. Beta particles are nothing more than electrons. Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation. 

Composition Alpha particles Beta particles High-energy electromagnetic radiation... 

Beta particles are negatively charged and smaller, travel faster, and penetrate farther than alpha particles. A beta particle is 1/1800 the size of a proton, or roughly equal to an electron in mass (see Figure 9.5). Beta particles will penetrate the skin and travel from 3 to 100 ft. Full turnouts and SCBAs will not provide full protection from beta particles. Particulate radiation results in contamination of personnel and equipment where the particles come to rest. Electromagnetic energy waves, like gamma, do not cause contamination. 

When a radioactive atom is born , electromagnetic radiation or some sort of particle, e.g. a neutron or proton or alpha particle, etc., is emitted from the nucleus. The emitted particle or radiation and the newly formed atom carry away the energy released in the reaction. The kinetic energies involved are high indeed and cause the newly formed atom to move many Angstroms into the surrounding material before finally coming to rest. 

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