| Alpha ($\alpha$) rays | Beta ($\beta$) rays | Gamma ($\gamma$) rays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of radiation | Helium Nucleus ($He^{2+}$) | Electron ($e^{-}$) | Electromagnetic radiation |
| Ionising Power | High | Low | Very low |
| Penetrating Power | Very low (Stopped by sheet of paper) | Low (Stopped by thin sheet of aluminium) | Very high (Reduced to half by 1 or 2 cm thick lead) |
| Effect of magnetic field | Deflected with large radius
(Upwards when magnetic field is into page) |
Deflected with small radius
(Downwards when magnetic field is into page) |
No effect |
| Effect of electric field | Attracted to – | Attracted to + | No effect |
