), beta
(
), and gamma
(
).
Alpha rays are helium nuclei, emitted in strong interactions. Gamma rays are photons, emitted in electromagnetic interactions. However, the beta ray (an electron), which is emitted when a neutron decays into a proton, requires a different process. It occurs slowly, which indicates a much weaker interaction, that consequently was named the weak interaction.
(The magnetic field is pointing into the screen.)
