Question 1
Question detail
How does alpha radiation interact with materials compared to gamma radiation?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
- A. Alpha radiation is more penetrating than gamma radiation
- B. Alpha radiation is less ionising than gamma radiation
- C. Alpha radiation is strongly ionising but weakly penetrating
- D. Alpha radiation and gamma radiation have the same penetration ability
Answer
The correct answer is C: Alpha radiation is strongly ionising but weakly penetrating.
Explanation
The correct answer is C: Alpha radiation is strongly ionising but weakly penetrating. This supports the learning objective "Describe alpha radiation as a helium nucleus containing two protons and two neutrons." in Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation idea: Alpha radiation is more penetrating than gamma radiation; Alpha radiation is less ionising than gamma radiation; Alpha radiation and gamma radiation have the same penetration ability.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Alpha Radiation Composition
Students often describe alpha radiation as just a particle without specifying its composition.
Emphasize that alpha radiation is specifically a helium nucleus, which contains two protons and two neutrons.
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