We have basically three main forms of radiations which accompany radioactivity. These are Alpha rays (α), Beta ray (β) and Gamma rays (γ).
Summary of properties of α, β and γ
| Nature | Alpha rays α | Beta rays β | Gamma rays γ |
| Mass | 4 | 1
1840 |
No mass |
| Chemical symbol | 4 He
2 |
O – 1e | – |
| Electrical charge | +2 | -1 | No charge |
| Relative penetration | 1 | 100 | 10,000 |
| Ionization ability | Highest | Moderate | Least |
| Absorber | Thin paper | Metal paper-like Aluminum foil | Large lead block |