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An alpha emitting source of energy 3MeV emits particles. The particles pass through a medium of thickness 5cm. if most of the particles emitted will be stopped by the medium, do you expect the particles to arrive the medium and stop at the same position? (support your answer with facts and using diagrams where necessary)?
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An alpha emitting source of energy 3MeV emits particles. The particles...
Alpha Particles and Their Interaction with Matter
Alpha particles, which are helium nuclei consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, have a relatively low penetration ability due to their mass and charge.
Energy and Range
- An alpha emitting source with energy of 3 MeV can travel through matter but will lose energy rapidly.
- The range of alpha particles in air is about 4 cm per MeV, while in denser materials like tissue, it is significantly reduced.
Medium Thickness
- The thickness of the medium is 5 cm, which is greater than the expected range of 3 MeV alpha particles.
- Most of the alpha particles will be stopped within this thickness due to ionization and energy loss mechanisms.
Particle Stopping Position
- While some alpha particles may penetrate the 5 cm, the majority will be absorbed.
- Those that do pass through will not stop at the same position; they will scatter and lose energy, resulting in a distribution rather than a single stopping point.
Conclusion
- The interaction of alpha particles with the medium leads to significant energy loss.
- Most particles will not reach the other side, and those that do will have varying stopping distances, creating a spread in their final positions.
Visual Representation
- A simple diagram can illustrate the initial trajectory of alpha particles and their scattering within the medium, showing the majority stopping before exiting.
In summary, due to the energy and interaction characteristics of alpha particles, it is expected that they will be largely stopped by the medium and will not arrive at the same position.
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An alpha emitting source of energy 3MeV emits particles. The particles pass through a medium of thickness 5cm. if most of the particles emitted will be stopped by the medium, do you expect the particles to arrive the medium and stop at the same position? (support your answer with facts and using diagrams where necessary)?
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An alpha emitting source of energy 3MeV emits particles. The particles pass through a medium of thickness 5cm. if most of the particles emitted will be stopped by the medium, do you expect the particles to arrive the medium and stop at the same position? (support your answer with facts and using diagrams where necessary)? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about An alpha emitting source of energy 3MeV emits particles. The particles pass through a medium of thickness 5cm. if most of the particles emitted will be stopped by the medium, do you expect the particles to arrive the medium and stop at the same position? (support your answer with facts and using diagrams where necessary)? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for An alpha emitting source of energy 3MeV emits particles. The particles pass through a medium of thickness 5cm. if most of the particles emitted will be stopped by the medium, do you expect the particles to arrive the medium and stop at the same position? (support your answer with facts and using diagrams where necessary)?.
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