Properties of
alpha particles
Beta particles
Gamma particles

Alpha is identical to a helium nucleus so it is two protons and two neutrons
It’s the least penetrating and can be absorbed by skin

Beta radiation had high energy electrons emitted from the nucleus and don’t come from a energy shell they come from when a nucleus splits into a proton
Can penetrate air and paper but stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium

Gamma has a short wavelength and high frequency and is electromagnetic so it can travel long distances
Most penetrating and can penetrate air paper and thin metal and can only be stopped by lead and lots of concrete

It's true it didin't work becouse britain continued trading with it's colonies and the system hurt economies of the countries that used it