The three types of nuclear emission — Describe

Describe how alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation are deflected by electric and magnetic fields.

Alpha particles, being positively charged, are deflected towards the negative plate in an electric field, and are deflected in a magnetic field according to the direction given by the force on a moving charge; because alpha particles are relatively massive, they are deflected only slightly. Beta particles, being negatively charged and much less massive, are deflected in the opposite direction to alpha particles in both electric and magnetic fields, and are deflected by a greater amount than alpha particles. Gamma radiation, having no charge, is not deflected by either electric or magnetic fields and travels in a straight line through them.