Matching nuclear radiation types to descriptions

Steps:

• Identify helium nuclei as alpha particles, consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
• Recognize short wavelength electromagnetic waves as gamma rays, high-energy photons.
• Classify electrons as beta particles, emitted during neutron-to-proton decay.
• Match the sequence: helium nuclei (alpha), electromagnetic waves (gamma), electrons (beta).

Why A is correct:

• Alpha particles are defined as helium-4 nuclei (⁴He²⁺), gamma rays as electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths below 10 pm, and beta particles as high-speed electrons (β⁻).

Why the others are wrong:

• B starts with beta (electrons), but the first description is helium nuclei (alpha).
• C starts with gamma (electromagnetic waves), but the first description is helium nuclei (alpha).
• D starts with gamma (electromagnetic waves), but the first description is helium nuclei (alpha).

Final answer: A