Which type of radiation is defined as being positively charged?

Alpha radiation is defined as being positively charged because it consists of alpha particles, which are made up of two protons and two neutrons. This composition means alpha particles are essentially helium nuclei, carrying a positive charge due to the presence of the protons. When alpha radiation is emitted during radioactive decay, it results in a decrease in the atomic number of the original nucleus by two, transforming it into a different element.

In contrast, beta radiation involves the emission of beta particles, which are electrons or positrons; gamma radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves with no charge; and neutron radiation consists of neutral particles that do not have any charge. Understanding these characteristics helps in identifying the nature of each type of radiation.