How Could You Distinguish Between an Alpha and a Beta Particle?

AI Thread Summary
Alpha particles can be distinguished from beta particles in a cloud chamber or particle accelerator by their ionization capabilities and mass. Alpha particles, being helium nuclei, ionize more gas molecules than beta particles, resulting in greater alcohol and water production. They are also heavier and experience less deflection compared to the lighter beta particles, which are electrons. Understanding these physical properties helps clarify the differences between the two types of particles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing these characteristics for accurate particle identification.
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How could you distinguish between an alpha and a beta particle in a cloud chamber or a particle accelerator?
 
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Alpha particles are nuclei of helium, whereas beta particles are electrons.
Thus, Alpha particle ionised more gas molecule in the cloud chamber than beta particles, producing more alcohol and water.
Also, Alpha Particles are heavier than beta Particles----thus they are less deflected.
 
do you know what an alpha particle IS?
what are its physical properties?
Which property of alpha is opposite that property of a beta?
Which properties are a couple thousand times that of the beta?

Are you able to immerse this cloud chamber in any Fields?
 
thanks for the help guys,

lightgrav, i realized that i easily couldve figured out the answer if i just asked myself those questions,

thanks again
 

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