which has more penetrating power - alpha rays or beta rays?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question

which has more penetrating power - alpha rays or beta rays?

Expert Solution
Step 1

Penetrating power:

Each type of radiation has a different ability to penetrate materials. The material is said to have absorbed the radiation.

The energy of the three radiations is absorbed by the material through which the radiation passes. The amount of energy which is absorbed depends on the type of radiation and the type of the absorbing material.

Step 2

Alpha radiation is absorbed by the thickness of the skin or by a few centimetres of air. Beta radiation is more penetrating than alpha radiation. It can pass through the skin, but it is absorbed by a few centimetres of body tissue or a few millimetres of aluminium.

Paper Plastic Lead Concrete
Alpha
Beta
Gamma and X-rays
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Discovery of Radioactivity
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY