5) Alpha and Beta particles are actually physical particles of matter. The Alpha is two protons and two neutrons, and consequently is relatively very heavy and slow and carries a double positive charge.. A Beta is simply an electron and has a negative charge. The Beta may be moving from very slow to very fast, and the speed is an indication of it's "energy level". Gamma Radiation is a true electromagnetic energy, and moves at or near the speed of light

4)order to write the Na electron configuration we first need to know the number of electrons for the Na atom (there are 11 electrons). When we write the configuration we'll put all 11 electrons in orbitals around the nucleus of the Sodium atom.

In writing the electron configuration for sodium the first two electrons will go in the 1s orbital. Since 1s can only hold two electrons the next 2 electrons for sodium go in the 2s orbital. The nex six electrons will go in the 2p orbital. The p orbital can hold up to six electrons. We'll put six in the 2p orbital and then put the remaining electron in the 3s. Therefore the sodium electron configuration will be 1s22s22p63s1