Beta particle interaction with matter

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SUMMARY

Beta particles, which are fast-moving electrons emitted from atomic nuclei, can penetrate human tissue, such as the palm of a hand, due to the atomic structure of matter. Atoms consist of a dense nucleus surrounded by a sparse cloud of electrons, resulting in significant empty space. This atomic composition allows beta particles to pass through without significant interaction, as they primarily collide with other particles upon close proximity. Understanding this interaction is crucial for grasping concepts in quantum physics and particle behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of atomic structure
  • Familiarity with particle physics concepts
  • Knowledge of electron behavior in matter
  • Introductory quantum physics principles
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  • Research the properties of beta particles and their interactions with matter
  • Study atomic structure and the concept of empty space within atoms
  • Explore quantum mechanics and its implications on particle behavior
  • Learn about radiation types and their biological effects
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Students of physics, researchers in particle physics, and anyone interested in the interactions of subatomic particles with matter.

nilic1
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A beta particle consists of a fast moving electron emitted from the nucleus of an atom. Beta particles can pass through the palm of a human hand.

My question is .. Being a particle how can it pass through the palm of a hand? I still haven't done quantum Physics but I suspect that it has something to do with it.
 
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What would prevent a beta particle from passing through the palm of a hand?
 
voko said:
What would prevent a beta particle from passing through the palm of a hand?

my reasoning is that waves can make it through somehow ... but particles are stopped after colliding with other particles.
 
nilic1 said:
A beta particle consists of a fast moving electron emitted from the nucleus of an atom. Beta particles can pass through the palm of a human hand.

My question is .. Being a particle how can it pass through the palm of a hand? I still haven't done quantum Physics but I suspect that it has something to do with it.
Your hand is made of molecules that are made of atoms. And atoms are very small nuclei with a sparse cloud of electrons around it. Almost all of an atom, and so almost all of your hand is empty space.
 
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