Question

How does the ionising power of beta particles compare with that of alpha particles?

Options

• The ionising power of beta particles is lower than that of alpha particles

• The ionising power of beta particles is higher than that of alpha particles

• Beta particles have no ionising power at all

• The ionising power of beta particles is equal to that of alpha particles

Answer 1

Beta particles have a very small mass, so their ionising power is lower than that of alpha particles, which are strongly ionising. However, beta particles penetrate matter more effectively than alpha particles.