Question detail
Explain why alpha radiation is considered strongly ionising but weakly penetrating.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
Explain why alpha radiation is considered strongly ionising but weakly penetrating.
Answer
Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, which have a large mass and a positive charge. This allows them to easily ionise nearby atoms by knocking off electrons, making them strongly ionising. However, their relatively large size means they cannot penetrate materials well, being stopped by just a few centimeters of air or a sheet of paper.
Explanation
This question tests the student's understanding of the properties of alpha radiation, specifically its ionising power and penetration ability. The answer demonstrates knowledge of the physical characteristics of alpha particles and their interactions with matter.
Common mistake
Alpha Radiation Characteristics
Students often confuse the ionising power of alpha radiation with its penetrating ability, thinking that strong ionisation means it can penetrate materials well.
To fix this, remember that alpha radiation is strongly ionising due to its mass and charge, but it is weakly penetrating because it can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin.
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