Chapter U1.15, Problem 3E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of radiation out of alpha, beta, and gamma which is more harmful to living organisms should be predicted.

Concept introduction:

A series of electromagnetic radiation with different frequencies and wavelength is known as electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic spectrum consists of gamma radiation, cosmic rays, X-rays, UV rays, infrared rays and so on.

Answer to Problem 3E

Gamma radiations are the most harmful radiation to the living organisms.

Explanation of Solution

A radioactive process in which nucleus of an atom emits a particle ( ${}_2^4\text{He}$ ) is termed as alpha emission.

A radioactive process in which nucleus of an atom emits a beta particle ( ${}_{-1}^0\text{e}$ ) is termed as beta emission.

Alpha rays are emitted during alpha emission having mass 4 amu. They leave the nucleus of an unstable atom with a speed of about 16, 000 km. s^-1 Or one can say that alpha particles have a limited ability to penetrate other materials. Beta particles have higher ability to penetrate in other materials as compared to alpha particles and has a mass of 1/2000 amu. They travel with a speed of about 270, 000 kms-1 around 98 % speed of light.

That means both alpha and beta are charged particles but gamma rays are the high energy of packets called photons. Due to this, they have no mass and can travel through any form of matter.

If gamma rays are passed through the body, they can pass through the entire body affecting all tissues of the skin to bone marrow and causes systemic damage.

Thus, gamma radiations are the most harmful radiation to the living organisms.