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Difficulty: EasyNatural Radioactivity and Radiation Emissions

Which of the following types of radiation emitted during natural radioactive decay has the greatest ionizing power?

  1. α\alpha-particlesAnswer
  2. B
    β\beta-particles
  3. C
    γ\gamma-rays
  4. D
    X-rays

Answer

Alpha particles (α\alpha-particles) have the highest ionizing power among natural radioactive emissions.
Alpha particles have the largest charge (+2e+2e) and mass among natural nuclear emissions, allowing them to exert strong electrostatic forces on atoms in their path and strip away electrons easily, giving them the highest ionizing capability.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nature, mass, and charge of natural radiation emissions
α\alpha-particles consist of helium nuclei (24He^4_2\text{He}) with mass 4 u4\text{ u} and charge +2e+2e; β\beta-particles are high-speed electrons with negligible mass and charge −e-e; γ\gamma-rays are neutral photons.
Ionization depends directly on charge magnitude and kinetic energy transfer capacity during interactions with matter.
2
Compare the ionizing power of the emissions
Because α\alpha-particles carry a large +2e+2e charge and move relatively slowly due to their larger mass, they interact strongly with orbital electrons, knocking them off atoms easily along a short path.
Relative ionizing power follows the ratio of roughly 10,000:100:110,000 : 100 : 1 for α:β:γ\alpha : \beta : \gamma emissions.

Key Concept

Ionizing power vs. Penetrating power of radioactive emissions
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Natural Radioactivity and Radiation Emissions

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