Thank you so much for your detailed explanations!
(2)
But can particles with high speed knock electrons out of air molecules easily?
"At that point it is a neutral helium (He) atom, and though it may still be moving, has lost its strong interaction with the air."
Is it because alpha particles...
1) Why can hitting a heavy metal target with high-speed electrons produce X-rays?
2) Alpha particles have a larger mass and lower speed. Thus, they are more likely to knock electrons out of air molecules. Why? Is it about momentum? I thought particles with high speed can knock electrons out of...