Chapter 39, Problem 26A

Rank these three types of radiation by their ability to penetrate this page of your book:

(A) Alpha particle

(B) Beta particle

(C) Gamma ray

To determine

The ranking of types of radiation by their ability to penetrate.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The penetrating power is the ability of radiation to travel easily through the barrier. It depends on the type of radiation.

The alpha particle contains two protons. The mass of the alpha particle is more and speed is less, so the penetrating power is less than the penetrating power of beta particles.

The beta particle contains only one electron, so the mass of beta particle is less and speed is more than the speed of alpha particle. The penetrating power of beta particle is more than the alpha particle.

The gamma ray is the massless energy. It is same as the light rays and energy of gamma rays is same as the photons, so the penetrating power of the gamma rays is more than the of alpha particle and beta particle.

Conclusion:

Thus, the penetrating ability of given radiation to penetrate is C > B > A.