Question

Briefly discuss the interaction of nuclear radiation with matter.

Answer 1

Nuclear radiations are of three types :

1. Alpha rays

2. Beta rays

3. Gamma rays

Alpha particles are nothing but helium nuclei. Thus they have bet charge on them. Due to this they interact strongly with matter. Due to this penetrating depth of alpha rays are not very large.

Beta rays are electrons or positrons. They are also charged but they do not interact that much strongly. Therefore their penetration depth is larger than alpha rays.

Gamma rays are nothing by electromagnetic photons. Thus they are not charged. Thus they do not interact with matter. Thus their penetration depth is very large.