Types of Ionizing Radiation

Particle beams include α (alpha)-particles, β (beta)-particles, neutron beams, etc.

α-particles are helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons that have been ejected at high speed, while β-particles are electrons ejected from a nucleus. Particle beams also include neutron beams and proton beams.

γ-rays and X-rays are types of electromagnetic waves. While α-particles, β-particles, and γ-rays are emitted from a nucleus, X-rays used in X-ray examination for medical checkups and the like are electromagnetic waves generated outside a nucleus. X-rays generated in X-ray tubes are used in X-ray examination. X-rays include braking X-rays and characteristic X-rays (p.16 of Vol. 1, “X-rays for Medical Use and Generators”).
(Related to p.13 of Vol. 1, “Where does Radiation Come from?,” and p.14 of Vol. 1, “Types of Radiation”)

• Included in this reference material on March 31, 2013
• Updated on March 31, 2019