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Physics Paper 1 · P4 · Lesson 4.6

Alpha, beta and gamma

Learn what each type is, then see what stops it.

Key ideas1 of 3

Three types to recognise

Alpha: 2 protons + 2 neutrons, a helium nucleus.
Beta: a fast electron emitted from the nucleus.
Gamma: electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus.

Alpha: two protons and two neutrons. Beta: a fast electron. Gamma: electromagnetic radiation.

Alpha and beta are particles. Gamma is electromagnetic radiation.

Next: Intro to nuclear equations →
Topic resources and sources

Daily 5 · Core exam practice · Higher Tier questions · A4 revision sheet

Lessons 4.1–4.10 cover the core. Lesson 4.11 is Higher Tier only. Daily 5 practises core facts. Answer positions are shuffled on each new attempt; lessons begin with very simple questions.

AQA Combined Science Trilogy specification · 6.4.2.1. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Experimental numbers are illustrative.

Photos: Geiger counter by Boffy b, enhanced by Marco Plassio; caesium source by Wusel007, enhanced by Partynia, both CC BY-SA 3.0. Rutherford at McGill, 1905, unknown photographer / Wellcome Images, public domain. Photos displayed without cropping or other alterations.