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Consider the following characteristics with respect to Alpha particles:

1. They have large specific ionization values.

2. They dissipate their energy rather slowly.

3. They can penetrate the outer layer of human skin.

4. Their emitters are heavy elements.

Which of the above statements are correct?


1. 1 and 4 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 4 only
4. 2 and 3 only

1 Answer

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Best answer
Correct Answer - Option 1 : 1 and 4 only

Alpha particle:

  • An alpha particle is identical to a helium atom that has been stripped of its two electrons; thus, an alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons.
  • As an alpha particle has no electrons to balance the positive charge of the two protons, it has a charge of +2 and can be represented as He2+.

 

Statement 1:

  • Ionization refers to the complete removal of an electron from an atom following the transfer of energy from a passing charged particle.
  • In describing the intensity of ionization, the term "specific ionization" is often used. This is defined as the number of ion pairs formed per unit path length for a given type of radiation.
  • Because of their double charge and relatively slow velocity, alpha particles have a high specific ionization and a relatively short range in matter.
  • Beta particles have a much lower specific ionization than alpha particles and, generally, a greater range.
  • Gamma-rays, x-rays, and neutrons are referred to as indirectly ionizing radiation since, having no charge, they do not directly apply impulses to orbital electrons.

 

Statement 2:

  • Alpha particles are heavily ionized matter and they quickly lose their kinetic energy. Therefore, alpha particles have very short ranges.
  • On the other hand, they deposit all their energies along their short paths.
  • Typical alpha particle has kinetic energy about 5 MeV.

 

Statement 3:

  • An alpha particle is unable to penetrate the outer layer of human skin.
  • Because of this limited penetrating power, external exposure to alpha particles is not nearly as serious as internal exposure.
  • If a source of alpha emissions is taken internally, the alpha radiation can do massive damage to the surrounding tissue.

 

Statement 4:

  • Alpha particles come from the decay of the heaviest radioactive elements, such as uranium, radium, and polonium.
  • Even though alpha particles are very energetic, they are so heavy that they use up their energy over short distances and are unable to travel very far from the atom.

 

Therefore, only statements 1 and 4 are true.

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