If an alpha particle and a beta particle have the same energy, which particle will penetrate farther into an object?

Question

Physics

Max Mcgrath

3 July, 16:16

If an alpha particle and a beta particle have the same energy, which particle will penetrate farther into an object?

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Lyla Spears · Answer 1

Beta particle

Explanation:

If an alpha particle and a beta particle have the same energy, beta particle will penetrate farther into an object than alpha particle because;

1. In air, beta particles can travel a few hundred times farther than alpha particles.

2. Beta particles have more penetrating power than alpha particles.

3. Alpha particle can be absorbed or stopped by an inch or less 1-2 centimeters of air or a thin piece of tissue while beta particles can be stopped or absorbed by a thin layer of Aluminium.

4. Alpha particles loose all of their energies in a small volume easily that beta particles.

5. Beta particles can traveled a longer distance between 2-3 meters at a speed nearly equal to that of light than alpha particles which travel a distance between 2-4 cm at a speed approximately five percent the speed of light.