Which of the following has a least penetrating power?a)All have same p...
The correct answer is option 'C': Alpha particles.
Explanation:
1. Introduction:
- The question is related to the penetrating power of different types of radiation.
- The options given are: a) All have the same penetrating power, b) Beta particles, c) Alpha particles, d) Gamma rays.
- We need to determine which option has the least penetrating power.
2. Penetrating Power of Radiation:
- Penetrating power refers to the ability of radiation to pass through materials.
- Different types of radiation have different levels of penetrating power.
- The three common types of radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
3. Alpha Particles:
- Alpha particles are made up of two protons and two neutrons, which is identical to a helium nucleus.
- They have a positive charge and are relatively large and heavy.
- Due to their size and charge, alpha particles have a limited penetrating power.
- They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.
4. Beta Particles:
- Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons.
- They have a negative charge and are much smaller and lighter compared to alpha particles.
- Beta particles have a higher penetrating power compared to alpha particles.
- They can pass through materials such as paper and thin aluminum, but can be stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or metal.
5. Gamma Rays:
- Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation and have no charge or mass.
- They are highly energetic and have the highest penetrating power among the three types of radiation.
- Gamma rays can easily pass through most materials, including paper, aluminum, and even several centimeters of lead or concrete.
6. Conclusion:
- Based on the properties of the different types of radiation, it is clear that alpha particles have the least penetrating power.
- They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.
- Beta particles have a higher penetrating power, and gamma rays have the highest penetrating power among the three.
Which of the following has a least penetrating power?a)All have same p...
B) Beta Particles
c) Alpha particles
d) Gamma rays
Alpha particles are the least penetrating out of the three options given. Here's why:
1. Alpha particles:
- Alpha particles are made up of two protons and two neutrons, which form a helium nucleus.
- They have a positive charge and are relatively large in size compared to other particles.
- Due to their size and charge, alpha particles interact strongly with matter and lose their energy quickly.
- They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.
- Because of their low penetrating power, they cannot penetrate through the outer layers of the skin, making them less harmful if emitted outside the body.
2. Beta particles:
- Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons emitted during the radioactive decay of certain isotopes.
- They have a negative charge and are much smaller in size compared to alpha particles.
- Beta particles are more penetrating than alpha particles but less penetrating than gamma rays.
- They can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum or plastic.
- Beta particles can penetrate the outer layers of the skin and cause damage if inhaled or ingested.
3. Gamma rays:
- Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays and light, but with much higher energy.
- They have no mass or charge, making them highly penetrating.
- Gamma rays can travel long distances through air and penetrate various materials, including living tissues.
- They require several centimeters of dense material (such as lead or concrete) or several meters of air to effectively shield them.
- Gamma rays are the most harmful if exposed to the body, as they can cause damage to cells and DNA.
In summary, alpha particles have the least penetrating power out of the given options. They are stopped easily by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air, making them less harmful compared to beta particles and gamma rays.