Only the total thickness of Al matters.prochatz said:If we want to secure an area from beta particles, we could use absorbers, for example aluminum foils. Is it preferable to use one thick aluminum foil or several aluminum foils (with same total density as the first one of course) with free space between them? In other words, does a beta particle lose energy differently while passing through a thick foil in comparison with a beta particle passing through several foils.
pam said:Only the total thickness of Al matters.
malawi_glenn said:it depends how tight you have the Al-foils and what beta-energy you have. Remember that beta particles are stopped in pure air too. But the range in air is of course much larger than for Al, so if you want to shield effectivly, I would use a thick Al- foil
Do you understand?
malawi_glenn said:you should get a very small difference, since we have only magnitudes of a few centimeters.
Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons that are emitted from an unstable nucleus during radioactive decay.
Beta particles can penetrate matter through a process called ionization, where they collide with and transfer energy to atoms and molecules in the material.
The range of penetration for beta particles depends on their energy and the density of the material they are traveling through. Generally, they can travel a few millimeters to a few meters in air and can penetrate a few millimeters to a few centimeters in solid materials.
No, beta particles cannot be stopped by any material. However, their penetration can be reduced by using materials with a high atomic number, such as lead or concrete, which increases the likelihood of collisions and energy transfer.
Beta particles can cause damage to living cells and tissues, leading to potential health hazards such as skin burns and increased risk of cancer. However, the extent of the health effects depends on the amount and duration of exposure to beta particles.