What can beta particles be stopped by?
Beta particles are more penetrating than alpha particles, but are less damaging to living tissue and DNA because the ionizations they produce are more widely spaced. They travel farther in air than alpha particles, but can be stopped by a layer of clothing or by a thin layer of a substance such as aluminum.
What is a problem with blocking beta emissions?
The negative charge on a beta particle has the potential for activating the element being used to block the radiation. Lead and tungsten are large atoms with many protons and neutrons in their nuclei. While the beta electron may be blocked, the target material could become irradiated in the process.
How are alpha particles useful?
Alpha particles have low penetrating power but this still provides a range of useful applications: smoke detectors – americium-241 is commonly used in ionising smoke detectors. some alpha emitters are being investigated for their potential use in unsealed source radiotherapy to treat cancer.
How are alpha particles generated?
An alpha particle is produced by the alpha decay of a radioactive nucleus. Because the nucleus is unstable a piece of it is ejected, allowing the nucleus to reach a more stable state. In fusion, helium/alpha particles are produced by the fusion reaction, along with neutrons.
How far can a beta particle travel in air?
two meters
Can beta radiation pass through Aluminium?
Beta radiation is more penetrating than alpha radiation. It can pass through the skin, but it is absorbed by a few centimetres of body tissue or a few millimetres of aluminium.
How far can beta particles penetrate the body?
Beta particles are essentially electrons emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. They are lighter than alpha particles, and can travel farther in air, up to several yards. Very energetic beta particles can penetrate up to one-half an inch through skin and into the body.