Question

which of the following radioactive emissions is the least penetrating, aloha particles , beta particles or gamma rays

Answer 1

Alpha particles; they can be blocked with a sheet of paper

Answer 2

Answer: The least penetrating of the given radioactive emissions will be alpha particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are 3 radioactive particles which are emitted during radioactive processes:

1. Alpha particles: These particles are emitted when a nuclei undergoes alpha decay process. These particles have low energy associated with them.

2. Beta particles: These particles are emitted when a nuclei undergoes beta decay process. These particles have higher energy than alpha particles.

3. Gamma radiations: These radiations are emitted when an unstable nuclei undergoes gamma ray emission process and gives an excess energy through a spontaneous electromagnetic process. These radiations have the highest energy of all the radioactive particles.

Penetrating power of the particles is directly proportional to the energy of the particles, therefore:

`\text{Penetrating power}\propto \text{Energy of the particles}`

More the energy of the particles, more will be the penetrating power and vice-versa.

Increasing order of penetrating power will be:

`\text{Alpha particles}<\text{Beta particles}<\text{Gamma radiations}`

Hence, alpha particles is the least penetrating among the following radioactive particles.