Question

Describe two reasons why an alpha particle is less penetrating than a beta or gamma particle.

Answer 1

Alpha particles travel through the air they collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules. While they collide with these molecules, they lose some energy until all energy are used up and they are absorbed. These particles can be absorbed by a sheet of paper or by the air. On the other hand, beta particles and gamma particles move faster than the alpha particles and are poor at ionizing atoms or molecules thus it takes more of the material to be able to absorb these particles.

Answer 2

Answer:

1. Heavy mass

2. greater charge

Explanation:

An alpha particle has two protons and two neutrons. It has +2 e charge. It is a heavy mass particle. Thus, when it tends to penetrate even a thin sheet, it loses its energy very quickly because of its interaction with the material particles.

Beta particle is a high energy electron or positron. It carries 1 unit charge and has very less mass in comparison to an alpha particle. Thus, it has more penetrating power than alpha particle.

A gamma particle is charge less and mass less highly energetic particle. Thus, it has highest penetrating power.