Which of the following are the three main types of ionizing radiation?

The three main types of ionizing radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively heavy compared to other types of radiation. They have a positive charge and are emitted from the nucleus of some heavy atoms during radioactive decay. Due to their larger mass and charge, alpha particles have low penetration power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of human skin.

Beta particles, which can be negatively charged electrons or positively charged positrons, are produced when a neutron decays into a proton or vice versa. These particles are lighter than alpha particles and carry a charge, allowing them to penetrate materials more effectively, though they can still be stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or glass.

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay. They have no mass and no charge, allowing them to penetrate substances more deeply than alpha or beta particles. Effective shielding against gamma rays typically requires dense materials such as lead or several centimeters of concrete.

Other options include combinations of radiation types that either introduce particles or forms not recognized as primary ionizing radiation in this context. Neutrons, while a type of radiation that can be ionizing