# Describe the differences between alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays in terms of their ionising ability and penetrating power.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.4.2 Atoms and nuclear radiation · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Alpha particles are the most (highly) ionising / have the greatest ionising ability
2. Gamma rays are the least ionising / have the lowest ionising ability
3. Alpha particles are the least penetrating / are stopped by a few centimetres of air or a sheet of paper
4. Gamma rays are the most penetrating / can travel a long distance through air / are only partially stopped by several centimetres of lead

## Key terms

- [alpha particle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alpha-particle)
- [beta particle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/beta-particle)
- [gamma ray](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gamma-ray)
- [ionising](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ionising)
- [penetrating power](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/penetrating-power)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-differences-between-alpha-particles-fdbf8062) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.