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Chapter 24: Q24.56 P (page 1104)

The effects on matter ofrays andparticles differ. Explain

Short Answer

Expert verified

Gamma rays are the most dangerous because the energy can ionize many layers of living tissue. Alpha particles penetrate so little that a piece of paper, light clothing, or the outer layer of skin can stop a radiation from an external source

Step by step solution

01

 Gamma rays

Gamma rays are neutral and mass lessrays interact least with matter and, thus, penetrate most. A block of lead several inches thick is needed to stop them. Therefore, an externalray source is the most dangerous because the energy can ionize many layers of living tissue.

02

 Alpha rays

Alpha particles are massive and highly charged, which means that they interact with matter most strongly of the three common emissions. As a result, they penetrate so little that a piece of paper, light clothing, or the outer layer of skin can stop a radiation from an external source. However, if ingested, anemitter can cause grave localized internal damage through extensive ionization.

03

 Effects of gamma and alpha rays

The most harmful are gamma rays, which can ionise multiple layers of living tissue. Alpha particles penetrate so thinly that they can be stopped by a sheet of paper, light clothing, or the outer layer of skin.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The reaction that will probably power the first commercial fusion reactor is

H +1213H→24He +01n

How much energy would be produced per mole of reaction?

(Masses of atoms: H = 3.01605amu;1213H = 2.0140amu;

He = 4.00260amu;mass of0124n = 1.008665amu.)

Determine the missing species in these transmutations, and write a full nuclear equation from the shorthand notation:

(a)10B(α,n)

(b)28Si(d,)29P(wheredisaduteron,2H+)(c)(α,2n)244Cf

Nuclear disarmament could be accomplished if weapons were not “replenished.” The tritium in warheads decays to helium with a half-life of 12.26 yr and must be replaced or the weapon is useless. What fraction of the tritium is lost in 5.50 yr?

Question:In a natural decay series, how manyαandβ-emissions per atom of uranium-235 result in an atom of lead-207?

What are the expected advantages of fusion reactors over fission reactors?
See all solutions

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