Physics · GCSE · Atoms & Radioactivity

Alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation

Alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiationFree4:12Heddy Score 3 of 7, below the standard
Next clip

What you need to know

  • An alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons; it is strongly ionising and weakly penetrating.
  • A beta particle is an electron and is more penetrating than alpha radiation.
  • Gamma radiation is an electromagnetic wave that is weakly ionising and highly penetrating.
  • Neutron radiation can be emitted by an unstable nucleus.

In this clip

Runs 4:12, from 0:09 to 4:21 of the full video.

Heddy Score3/7, Below the standard
See the seven stars
  • Trusted source · passed. The creator's own upload, live and playable here.
  • On the map · not judged yet. A teacher watched it: it mainly teaches this map topic.
  • Spec-true · not judged yet. Accurate, and right for the current UK specification.
  • Focused · passed. One idea, short enough to watch in one go.
  • Accessible · passed. Good captions, clear sound and pictures.
  • Safe for children · not judged yet. Right for 11 to 16 year olds, with no sales pitch.
  • Proven · not judged yet. Earned from our students: they learn from it, find it helpful and watch it to the end.
★ passed · ☆ pending · ✕ failed
Our students

Not enough students yet

Our own students' answers. These are what move ★7 Proven.
On YouTube

133K views · 1.49K likes · Cognito 1.37M subscribers

As reported by YouTube on 2026-11-01. Not part of the Heddy Score.
How the Heddy Score works

Why we picked it

Compares the composition, ionisation and penetration of the main radiation types.

Cognito on YouTubechecked 2026-10-20

Plays from youtube-nocookie.com. No YouTube cookies until you press play.