Physics Nuclear Physics MDCAT 2011
PMDC Verified Question 89 of 98
Ionizing capability of gamma rays is:
A
Equal to alpha and beta particle
B
Less than both alpha and beta particles
C
Less than alpha but greater than beta particles
D
Less than beta but greater than alpha particles
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: Less than both alpha and beta particles


Concept:

Ionizing power is the ability of radiation to strip electrons from atoms. It heavily depends on the mass and charge of the particle.

Solution:

  • Alpha particles have a charge of +2e and a large mass, leading to massive interactions and the highest ionizing power.


  • Beta particles have a charge of -1e and very small mass, giving them intermediate ionizing power.


  • Gamma rays are uncharged, massless photons. They interact weakly with matter, giving them the lowest ionizing capability among the three, but the highest penetration power.


Why other options are incorrect:

All other options incorrectly rank the physical properties of the radiations. Gamma is strictly the least ionizing.

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