Some problems about α, β particles and rays

First of all, what are α, β and γ particles?

Alpha particles are helium nuclei in which helium atoms lose two electrons. Because it has lost two electrons, it has two positive charges.

Beta particles are electrons;

Gamma particles are high-energy photons;

Why not call them directly, but give them some names? This has something to do with history. Radioactivity was discovered only after the atomic structure was discovered. The alpha particle discovered at that time did not know that it was a helium nucleus with two electrons lost, so it was named alpha particle, but it was later discovered that it was a helium nucleus with two electrons lost. β and γ particles are also found in this way.

This is the answer to your question:

1. An alpha particle can capture two electrons and become an electrically neutral helium nucleus, but it is best not to neutralize it with a beta particle. We call the electrons released by nuclear decay beta rays or beta particles. Obviously, when a irradiated alpha particle encounters two electrons, it is not necessarily an electron that decays from the nucleus. Therefore, when alpha particles are neutralized, it is more accurate to say that electrons are neutralized.

2. Alpha particles are not radioactive. By radioactivity, we mean that elements of α, β or γ are released, not radioactive particles, understand?

3. Alpha particles and beta particles are radiation particles themselves, or they are rays, because radiation particles generally have energy and form rays in the cloud chamber or detector.

4. With or without charge and radiation are two concepts. Radiation refers to particles (α, β or γ) with high energy and instability, which release radiation through decay or reaction.

Ask again if you don't understand.