types of ionizing radiation?

Question

types in terms of penetrability, ionization level, protective layer

Answer 1

Generally,

Alpha: (helium nucleus emission): Ionises by removing electrons from species that it comes into contact with. (it is doubly postively charged)
Penetration is low, it will stop in a few centimetres of air.
Protection: A piece of paper.

Beta:(fast moving electron emission): Ionizes by adding itself to a chemical species (it itself is negatively charged)
Penetration is medium.
Protection: A sheet of Aluminium foil.

Gamma: (electromagnetic emission) ionizes by delocalising an electron. (it itself is uncharged)
Very high penetrability.
Protection: An inch of lead.

Answer 2

The previous answerer forgot to add neutrons, which are high energy particles from radioactive substances, and included in the 'prompt' radiation from a nuclear blast (along with x-rays and short ultraviolet.) Neutrons and x-rays are penetrating, and require something like a lead shield; UV rays can be stopped with less heavy materials.

Generally speaking, the higher the frequency of a wave (photon) the more penetrating it is. Thus, while visible light, UV, x-rays and gamma rays are all part of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are listed in order of energy and penetrating ability. For a given thickness of material that would stop x-rays, it would stop everything below it and some of the lower-energy gamma rays.

For common materials that will stop radiation, contact the Civil Defense department. They used to give publications for building fallout shelters in your homes and would list the materials that had good shielding properties. You used to be able to find them at the public library, for free.

Answer 3

The above answers are basically correct but there is one small error. You CAN NOT use LEAD to stop neutrons. Neutrons interact with nuclei where other forms of radiation will interact with the orbiting electrons. Lead is doubly magic which means that it is extremely stable and neutrons do not interact with lead.
To shield neutrons water, paraffin, boron, graphite, etc... can be used. Atoms with small atomic numbers are nice because they slow down neutrons faster than larger atoms.