1.) Nuclear decay is modeled as an exponential process, i.e the well known equat
ID: 2013440 • Letter: 1
Question
1.) Nuclear decay is modeled as an exponential process, i.e the well known equation that the number of nuclei in a radioactive bunch decreases exponentially. How does the intensity vary with the depth of penetration in a material?a) linearly
b)exponentially
c)it remains constant (does not vary)
2.) Which of the two decay modes, (beta or gamma) would you say has more penetration depth?
3.) Between alpha and beta decay, which of the two would you guess to have a more penetration depth. State reasons.
Explanation / Answer
1) If we raise the energy of the radiation interacting with the same material , the half value layer will occur deeper in that material, X rays and gamma rays with shorter wavelengths will have more energy that must be absorbed .And therefore more energy will make it deeper into that material . So, the intensity will vary linearly with the depth of penetration in a material Option a is correct 2) Gamma rays is the electro magnetic radiation of high frequency The penetration power of gamma rays is more than that of the beta rays 3) Alpha particles ar basically helium nuclei. Alpha particles in alpha decay are heavy , and they travel at 1/20th speed of light .These can be blocked by a sheet of paper or aluminium. whereas beta particles are fast moving electrons and are negatively charged, these particles travel almost at the speed of light .Beta particles can penetrate several millimeters of aluminium sheet So, beta particles have more penetrating power than the alpha particlesRelated Questions
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