Match each type of natural radioactive emission with its corresponding physical property r… — JAMB UTME

Match each type of natural radioactive emission with its corresponding physical property regarding electric field deflection and penetrating ability.

Alpha particle ( $\alpha$ )Deflected towards the negative plate in an electric field and has the highest ionizing power
Beta-minus particle ( $\beta^-$ )Deflected towards the positive plate in an electric field and has moderate penetrating power
Gamma ray ( $\gamma$ )Undeflected in an electric field and exhibits the highest penetrating power

Answer

Alpha particle pairs with deflection towards the negative plate and highest ionizing power; Beta-minus particle pairs with deflection towards the positive plate and moderate penetrating power; Gamma ray pairs with no deflection in electric fields and highest penetrating power.

Alpha particles carry positive charge (

+2e

), causing them to deflect toward the negative plate in an electric field while producing intense ionization. Beta-minus particles carry negative charge (

-e

), deflecting toward the positive plate. Gamma rays are neutral photons, passing completely undeflected while possessing the greatest penetrating power.

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the charge and nature of each radioactive emission.

Alpha particles are doubly positively charged helium nuclei (

+2e

), Beta-minus particles are negatively charged electrons (

-e

), and Gamma rays are neutral electromagnetic photons (

0

Electric field deflection depends directly on the sign and magnitude of particle charge.

Analyze behavior in an electric field and relative penetrating power.

Positively charged alpha particles move toward the negative plate and ionize strongly due to high mass/charge; negatively charged beta particles move toward the positive plate; uncharged gamma rays pass straight through and penetrate deepest.

Opposite charges attract in electric fields, while mass and charge dictate the rate of energy loss (ionization vs penetration) in matter.

Pair each emission to its exact matching property.

Alpha matches highest ionizing power and negative plate deflection; Beta-minus matches positive plate deflection; Gamma ray matches highest penetrating power and no deflection.

This correctly aligns each particle/wave type with its distinct physical behavior.

Key Concept

Properties and field deflection of natural radioactive emissions

Question

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

Common Mistakes

Topics

More questions from this topic