Which particle loses energy with each ionization event, has a short range, and cannot penetrate a sheet of paper?

Which particle loses energy with each ionization event, has a short range, and cannot penetrate a sheet of paper?

• A. Beta particle
• B. Gamma ray
• C. Alpha particle
• D. X-ray

Answer: (C)

The alpha particle is characterized by its relatively large mass and charge compared to other types of radiation. Due to these properties, when an alpha particle interacts with matter, it loses energy rapidly with each ionization event it produces. This is because the strong positive charge of the alpha particle readily interacts with the electrons of surrounding atoms, leading to significant energy loss as it ionizes these atoms. Additionally, alpha particles have a very short range; they can typically travel only a few centimeters in air and are unable to penetrate even the outer layer of human skin. In fact, they can be stopped by a simple sheet of paper, making them one of the least penetrating types of radiation. This limited penetration ability is a key factor in understanding their behavior and potential hazards. In contrast, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays have different properties, including greater penetration capabilities and different ionization patterns, which make them less relevant to the specifics of this question.

The alpha particle is characterized by its relatively large mass and charge compared to other types of radiation. Due to these properties, when an alpha particle interacts with matter, it loses energy rapidly with each ionization event it produces. This is because the strong positive charge of the alpha particle readily interacts with the electrons of surrounding atoms, leading to significant energy loss as it ionizes these atoms.

Additionally, alpha particles have a very short range; they can typically travel only a few centimeters in air and are unable to penetrate even the outer layer of human skin. In fact, they can be stopped by a simple sheet of paper, making them one of the least penetrating types of radiation. This limited penetration ability is a key factor in understanding their behavior and potential hazards.

In contrast, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays have different properties, including greater penetration capabilities and different ionization patterns, which make them less relevant to the specifics of this question.