Question

The diagram in figure shows a radioactive source S placed in a thick lead walled container. The radiations given out are allowed to pass through a magnetic field. The magnetic field (shown as ×) acts perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards. Arrows shows the paths of the radiation A, B and C.

1. Name the radiations labelled A, B and C.
2. Explain clearly how you used the diagram to arrive at the answer in part (a).

Answer 1

1. The radiations are-
   • A → γ radiation
   • B → α radiation
   • C → β radiation
2. • The radiation labelled as A pass undeviated which means that they are uncharged (or neutral) so they must be γ radiations.
   • The radiation labelled as B turn to the left which means that they are positively charged so they must be α radiations.
   • The radiation labelled as C turn to the right which means that they are negatively charged so they must be β radiations.