Atoms contain three types of particles. Some substances are radioactive. They may emit alpha or beta particles. Describe the characteristics of alpha particles and beta particles in terms of their:• structure • penetration through air and other materials • deflection in an electric field. – 6004

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1. Alpha particles are made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, so they are the same as a helium nucleus. Beta particles are just fast-moving electrons, and they come from the nucleus when a neutron turns into a proton.

   Alpha particles don’t go very far – they only travel a few cm in air and can be stopped by skin or a piece of paper. Beta particles can go further – a few metres in air – and can pass through thin metal like foil.

   In an electric field, both alpha and beta particles get deflected, but they go in opposite directions. Beta particles are deflected more because they have a lot less mass than alpha particles. Even though alpha has a bigger charge (+2), beta has a higher specific charge because it’s so light.

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