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Out of the following, which one is least commonly emitted by radioactive substances?

Elements with a high atomic number have the property of spontaneously emitting invisible, highly penetrating, and high-energy radiation which is known as radioactivity.

In natural radioactive decay, three common emissions occur.

  • alpha particles ( α )
  • beta particles,  (β)
  • gamma rays  (γ)

Hence Neutrons are least commonly emitted by radioactive substances.

Alpha particles were identified as helium-4 nuclei, beta particles were identified as electrons, and gamma rays as a form of electromagnetic radiation like x-rays except much higher in energy and even more dangerous to living systems.

TABLE:

Particle Symbol Mass Penetrating Power Ionizing Power Shielding
Alpha α 4 amu Very low Very High Paper Skin
Beta β 1/2000 amu Intermediate Intermediate Aluminum
Gamma γ 0 (energy only) Very High Very Low 2 inches head