Question 1
Question detail
What is the ionising power of beta radiation compared to alpha 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. Beta radiation is more ionising than alpha radiation
- B. Beta radiation is less ionising than alpha radiation
- C. Both have the same ionising power
- D. Alpha radiation is less ionising than gamma radiation
Answer
The correct answer is B: Beta radiation is less ionising than alpha radiation.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: Beta radiation is less ionising than alpha radiation. This supports the learning objective "Describe beta radiation as a high-speed electron emitted from the nucleus." 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: Beta radiation is more ionising than alpha radiation; Both have the same ionising power; Alpha radiation is less ionising than gamma radiation.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Beta Radiation
Students often confuse beta radiation with alpha radiation, thinking both are similar in nature.
Remember that beta radiation consists of high-speed electrons emitted from the nucleus, while alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei with two protons and two neutrons.
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