Chapter 24, Problem 92A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of window that can be employed for an alpha source containing metal container is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

In a nuclear reaction, unstable nuclide disintegrates into stable nuclide with emission of various radiations spontaneously. It is called radioactivity of nucleus. Emission of rays like alpha, beta and gamma rays occur in the process which changes the identity of nucleus.

During a nuclear change, an element undergoes change in its atomic mass or atomic number or both by emission of charged particles such as beta particle, alpha particle. Beta particle is one that has unit negative charge and alpha particle is one that has 2 unit positive charges and is equivalent to helium atom ${}_2^4\text{He}$. Emission of proton, beta particle, alpha particle causes a change in atomic number of element.

Answer to Problem 92A

Alpha radiations are heavy in mass so cannot penetrate into layer of dead layer of human skin and can be blocked easily by a thin sheet of metal foil. Therefore, the type of window that can be employed for an alpha source containing metal container depends on intensity of alpha radiation or quantity of radiation.

Explanation of Solution

An alpha particle is one that has 2 unit positive charges and is equivalent to helium atom ${}_2^4\text{He}$. These particles make up alpha radiations which are slow in movement as compared to beta and gamma rays because of 4 units mass and 2 units charge on it.

So due to heavy mass, it cannot penetrate into layer of dead layer of human skin and can be blocked easily by a thin sheet of metal foil. Therefore, the type of window that can be employed for an alpha source containing metal container depends on intensity of alpha radiation or quantity of radiation.

Conclusion

Alpha radiations are heavy in mass so cannot penetrate into layer of dead layer of human skin and can be blocked easily by a thin sheet of metal foil. Therefore, the type of window that can be employed for an alpha source containing metal container depends on intensity of alpha radiation or quantity of radiation.