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Nature of Radioactive Radiation

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Nature of Radioactive Radiation:

Ernest Rutherford (1871–1937), a scientist from New Zealand, did research on radioactivity under the guidance of J.J. Thomson at the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge and McGill University, Canada. He showed that the nitrogen atom could be split by bombarding it with alpha particles. This experiment ushered in a new era in the field of physics.

Nature of Radioactive Radiation:

In 1889, Rutherford discovered two types of radiation emitted by radium: alpha and beta radiation. Later, Willard identified a third type, gamma radiation.

Alpha, beta and gamma rays

Rutherford devised a method in 1902 to study these radiations by allowing them to pass through an electric field between oppositely charged plates and observing their behaviour on a photographic plate. The findings were:

  • Alpha Rays (α): Slightly deviated towards the negatively charged plate, indicating a positive charge.
  • Beta Rays (β): Significantly deviated towards the positively charged plate, showing a negative charge.
  • Gamma Rays (γ): Showed no deviation, indicating they have no charge.
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