Final answer:
Positively charged radiation is composed of alpha particles, which are high-energy helium nuclei (He²⁺) that can ionize atoms by knocking off electrons. They are part of a group that also includes negatively charged beta particles and uncharged gamma rays, distinguishable by their charge and material penetration abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A positively charged stream of radiation may be composed of alpha particles, also known as α particles. These alpha particles are high-energy helium nuclei (He²⁺) that contain two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a positive charge. Ernest Rutherford's experiments revealed that radiation can be classified by the type of charge it carries: alpha particles are positively charged, beta particles (β particles) are negatively charged high-energy electrons, and gamma rays (γ rays) are uncharged high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Alpha particles have more mass relative to their charge when compared to beta particles and are deflected less by an electric or magnetic field due to their higher mass-to-charge ratio. Whereas, gamma rays, being uncharged, are not deflected by electric or magnetic fields. Alpha particles are ionizing radiations which means they can strip off electrons from atoms and create positively charged ions when they interact with matter.
These three types of radiation are distinguishable by their electric charge and the degree to which they can penetrate materials: alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper; beta particles can pass through metals but are stopped by dense materials like lead; and gamma rays can penetrate very deeply, requiring thick blocks of lead or concrete for absorption.