Penetrating power of a beta particle

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SUMMARY

Beta particles penetrate matter more effectively than alpha particles due to their significantly smaller mass, resulting in a lower fractional loss of kinetic energy (KE) per collision. This phenomenon is quantitatively explained through the conservation of momentum and energy equations. When a beta particle (mass m) collides with a stationary mass (M), the final speed of the beta particle is less affected by its mass compared to that of an alpha particle, leading to greater penetration capabilities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and its conservation principles
  • Familiarity with the concepts of momentum conservation
  • Basic knowledge of particle physics, specifically beta and alpha particles
  • Mathematical skills to analyze equations involving mass and velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations for conservation of momentum and energy in particle collisions
  • Explore the differences in mass and charge between beta and alpha particles
  • Investigate the interaction of beta particles with various materials
  • Learn about the applications of beta radiation in medical and industrial fields
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those interested in nuclear physics, radiation safety, and particle interactions.

eftalia
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Hello! I've been quite puzzled by this question and its solution.

Explain why beta-particles penetrate through matter more easily compared with alpha-particles having the same KE?

The answer given goes: The mass of beta-particles are much smaller than those of alpha-particles, hence the fractional loss of kinetic energy per collision for beta-particles are smaller and therefore beta-particles are more penetrating.

Why is the fractional loss of KE per collision positively dependent on the masses? Is there a mathematical way to reason this out?

Thanks :)
 
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Welcome to PF!

eftalia said:
Why is the fractional loss of KE per collision positively dependent on the masses? Is there a mathematical way to reason this out?

Hello eftalia! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Hint: write out the equations for conservation of momentum, and conservation of energy, of a mass m at speed v hitting a stationary mass M head-on, and see how the final speed depends on m. :smile:
 

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