Alpha and Beta particles
... a few centimeters. If a human absorbed alpha particles through their skin they wouldn’t be at that great of a risk of becoming sick since they can be blocked so easily. However if it is ingested of inhaled there is a very dangerous risk of receiving radiation poisoning. It is dangerous because Alpha particles are highly ionizing and give off a gamma ray to give off its energy. Beta Particles: Are subatomic particles ejected from the nucleus of some radioactive atoms on disintegration. They are equivalent to electrons. The difference is that electrons are developed outside the nucleus and beta particles inside the nucleus. Henri Becquerel is credited with the discovery of beta particles. Although they are emitted by radioactive atoms, they aren’t radioactive. Their energy in form of speed is what causes harm to living cells. They are used a lot in medical diagnosis, imaging and treatment. They can travel several feet in the air but are easily s...