Question

Write which type of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, or positron) matches the following

descriptors. Each type may match more than once. (12 points)

A) Opposite of an electron_________

B) Large mass, slow moving_________

C) Strong penetrating power, can damage internal organs_________

D) A helium nucleus_________

E) Need heavy clothing to protect from skin burns_________

F) Does not have mass, but is the most dangerous________

Answer 1

A) Opposite of an electron positron

Positron have charge of +1. It is emited in beta plus decay which is a subtype of beta decay.

B) Large mass, slow moving alpha partical.

Alpha particles are relatively slow and heavy compared with other forms of nuclear radiation. The particles travel at 5 to 7 % of the speed of light or 20,000,000 metres per second and has a mass approximately equivalent to 4 protons.

C) Strong penetrating power, can damage internal organs gamma rays.

The penetrating power of alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays varies greatly. Alpha particles can be blocked by a few pieces of paper. Beta particles pass through paper but are stopped by aluminum foil. Gamma rays are the most difficult to stop and require concrete, lead, or other heavy shielding to block them.

D) A helium nucleus alpha partical.

Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a partical identical to a helium nucleus, which is produced in the process of alpha decay.

E) Need heavy clothing to protect from skin burns gamma rays.

A thin piece of paper, or even the dead cells in the outer layer of human skin, provides adequate shielding because alpha particles can't penetrate it. Thick, dense shielding is necessary to protect against gamma rays. The higher the energy of the gamma ray, the thicker the shield must be.

F) Does not have mass, but is the most dangerous gamma rays.

Gamma rays are the most dangerous form of ionizing radiation. These extremely high energy photons can travel through most forms of matter because they have no mass. If you're exposed to gamma rays, they pass through your entire body, affecting all of your tissues from your skin to the marrow of your bones.