Physics: Common Types of Radiation

Gamma Rays

Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves or photons emitted from the nucleus (center) of an atom.

Betas

A beta is a high speed particle, identical to an electron, that is emitted from the nucleus of an atom

Alphas

An alpha is a particle emitted from the nucleus of an atom, that contains two protons and two neutrons. It is identical to the nucleus of a Helium atom, without the electrons.

Neutrons

Neutrons are neutral particles that are normally contained in the nucleus of all atoms and may be removed by various interactions or processes like collision and fission

X rays

X Rays are electromagnetic waves or photons not emitted from the nucleus, but normally emitted by energy changes in electrons. These energy changes are either in electron orbital shells that surround an atom or in the process of slowing down such as in an X-ray machine.