Radioactive nuclei emit different types of emissions (\alpha, \beta^{-}, \beta^{+}, and \g… — JAMB UTME

Radioactive nuclei emit different types of emissions ( $\alpha$ , $\beta^{-}$ , $\beta^{+}$ , and $\gamma$ ) characterized by distinct deflection behaviors, energy spectra, and physical properties when passing through electric fields. Match each type of radiation emission listed on the left with its corresponding physical properties and field response on the right.

Alpha ( $\alpha$ ) particle emissionDeflects weakly towards the negative electrode in an electric field due to a low charge-to-mass ratio and is emitted with discrete energy levels.
Beta-minus ( $\beta^{-}$ ) particle emissionDeflects strongly towards the positive electrode in an electric field and exhibits a continuous energy spectrum due to energy sharing with an antineutrino.
Beta-plus ( $\beta^{+}$ ) particle emissionDeflects strongly towards the negative electrode in an electric field due to a high charge-to-mass ratio and is emitted along with a neutrino.
Gamma ( $\gamma$ ) ray photon emissionRemains completely undeflected in electric and magnetic fields, travels at the speed of light, and possesses the lowest specific ionization power.

Answer

Alpha particle emission matches weak deflection towards the negative electrode with discrete energy levels; Beta-minus particle emission matches strong deflection towards the positive electrode with a continuous spectrum; Beta-plus particle emission matches strong deflection towards the negative electrode accompanied by a neutrino; Gamma ray emission matches zero deflection in electric fields and high speed.

Matching each emission type correctly relies on evaluating electric field deflection (determined by charge sign and

q/m

ratio) and spectral characteristics. Alpha particles are heavy positive ions showing slight deflection toward the negative electrode with discrete energy states. Beta-minus emissions are light negative particles deflecting strongly toward the positive electrode in a continuous spectrum. Beta-plus emissions are light positive particles deflecting strongly toward the negative electrode alongside a neutrino. Gamma radiation is uncharged photon energy showing zero deflection.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze charge and mass ratios of radioactive emissions to determine magnetic and electric field deflection direction and magnitude.

Alpha particles (

+2e

, mass

4\text{ u}

) deflect slightly toward negative plate; Beta-minus (

-e

, negligible mass) deflects strongly toward positive plate; Beta-plus (

+e

, negligible mass) deflects strongly toward negative plate; Gamma rays (

0

charge,

0

mass) do not deflect.

Deflection angle in an electric field depends directly on the charge-to-mass ratio (

q/m

) and the sign of the charge.

Evaluate energy spectra characteristics and secondary particle emissions for decay modes.

Alpha decay produces discrete kinetic energy peaks. Beta decay produces a continuous spectrum due to three-body decay sharing kinetic energy with a neutrino or antineutrino. Gamma photons carry discrete transition energy.

Conservation of momentum and energy in three-body beta decay requires kinetic energy sharing with the (anti)neutrino.

Pair each radiation type with its full physical description.

Alpha matches weak deflection to negative plate with discrete energy; Beta-minus matches strong deflection to positive plate with continuous spectrum; Beta-plus matches strong deflection to negative plate with neutrino co-emission; Gamma matches no deflection and lowest specific ionization.

Combines field deflection, charge-to-mass ratio, and spectral traits into unique matching pairings.

Key Concept

Deflection characteristics, charge-to-mass ratios, and energy spectrum nature of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation emissions

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