
A radioactive source emits three types of radiations. Name the radiation which has the lowest ionizing power.
(A) Alpha
(B) Beta
(C) Gamma
(D) None of the above
Answer
235.2k+ views
Hint The ability of radiation to harm molecules is examined in relations of what is called ionizing power. When a radiation particle relates with atoms, the relations can cause the atom to lose electrons and thus become ionized.
Radiation is energy. It can come from unstable atoms that go through radioactive decay, or it can be produced by machines. Radiation travels from its source in the form of energy waves or energized particles. There are different forms of radiation and they have different properties and effects.
Complete Step by step solution
The lowest ionizing power of the three is of gamma radiation which transmits no electric charge and has virtually no mass, so not much of a 'punch' when colliding with an atom.
So the correct option is B
Note
An alpha ray (symbol $\alpha $) is a stream of alpha particles. An alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle identical to a helium nucleus. It is radioactive and is produced in the process of alpha decay. Alpha particles, like helium nuclei, have a net spin of zero.
A beta particle, also called beta ray or beta radiation (symbol $\beta $), is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted by the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus during the process of beta decay.
A gamma ray, or gamma radiation (symbol $\gamma $ ), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It contains the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves and so conveys the highest photon energy.
Radiation is energy. It can come from unstable atoms that go through radioactive decay, or it can be produced by machines. Radiation travels from its source in the form of energy waves or energized particles. There are different forms of radiation and they have different properties and effects.
Complete Step by step solution
The lowest ionizing power of the three is of gamma radiation which transmits no electric charge and has virtually no mass, so not much of a 'punch' when colliding with an atom.
So the correct option is B
Note
An alpha ray (symbol $\alpha $) is a stream of alpha particles. An alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle identical to a helium nucleus. It is radioactive and is produced in the process of alpha decay. Alpha particles, like helium nuclei, have a net spin of zero.
A beta particle, also called beta ray or beta radiation (symbol $\beta $), is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted by the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus during the process of beta decay.
A gamma ray, or gamma radiation (symbol $\gamma $ ), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It contains the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves and so conveys the highest photon energy.
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