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Penetration
Alpha, beta and gamma radiation have different penetrating powers.
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Penetration
Recommended for Class 10
Penetration
Alpha, beta and gamma radiation have different penetrating powers.
Alpha
Alpha radiation has low penetrating power.
It is stopped by:
paper; outer layers of skin; * a short distance of air.
Beta
Beta radiation has medium penetrating power.
It can pass through paper but is reduced significantly by suitable thin shielding materials.
Gamma
Gamma radiation has high penetrating power.
It requires much more substantial shielding to reduce its intensity effectively.
Why Penetration Differs
Alpha particles are charged and relatively massive, so they interact strongly with matter and lose energy quickly.
Beta particles interact less strongly.
Gamma photons are uncharged and can penetrate farther before interacting.
Penetration Order
Alpha < Beta < Gamma
Penetration — Advanced
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes
- Mistake
Penetrating power is not the same as ionising power.
- Mistake
Alpha has low penetration but strong ionising ability.
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Practice
PQ
Q1. Rank penetration of α, β and γ.
PQ
Q2. What stops alpha radiation?
PQ
Q3. Compare beta penetration.
PQ
Q4. Describe gamma shielding.
PQ
Q5. Explain why penetration differs.
Exam Practice
EQ
Q1. Compare penetrating powers of α, β and γ.
EQ
Q2. Explain what stops alpha.
EQ
Q3. Explain beta shielding.
EQ
Q4. Explain gamma shielding.
EQ
Q5. Explain why penetration differs.
School-standard facts for Matric and Intermediate. Original explanations — not copied from textbooks.