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A Beta particle is essentially an electron (or positron) traveling at substantial speed. When a beta particle strikes a living cell, it interacts with the molecules making up the cell and creates one or more ion pairs by causing outer electrons to leave the molecule and making the molecule positively charged, while the released electron is negatively charged. Ionized molecules take part in different chemical reactions than do similar molecules that are electrically neutral. As a result of the ionization, exotic chemical reactions take place in the effected cell. These reactions may interfere with cell metabolism or with cell DNA (affecting or preventing cell division). Cells have a limited ability to repair the damage caused by this process, but if enough damage is inflicted fast enough, the cell may be damaged or killed. If enough cells are damaged or killed in one organ, the organ may be damaged.

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What make beta dangerous?

Beta, often referring to beta particles in the context of radiation, can be dangerous due to their ability to penetrate biological tissues and cause cellular damage. While they are less penetrating than gamma rays, beta particles can still result in significant harm if they are ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with skin, potentially leading to radiation burns or increased cancer risk. Additionally, beta radiation can cause ionization in living cells, disrupting normal biological processes. Proper safety measures are essential when working with or around beta-emitting materials.


What are 3 kinds of radiation given off by radioactive substances?

The three types of radiation given off by radioactive substances are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles are the least penetrating, beta particles are more penetrating than alpha particles, and gamma rays are the most penetrating and dangerous type of radiation.


What correctly describes the charge of beta particles and alpha particles?

Beta particles have a negative charge, while alpha particles have a positive charge. Beta particles are electrons or positrons, while alpha particles are helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons.


Which type of radiation alpha beta and gamma is dangerous of living things and why?

Among alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, gamma radiation is generally considered the most dangerous to living things due to its high penetration power and ability to pass through human tissue. Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper and are primarily hazardous when ingested or inhaled, while beta particles can penetrate skin but are less damaging than gamma rays. Gamma radiation can cause significant cellular damage and increase the risk of cancer, making it particularly harmful in exposure scenarios. Overall, the danger of each type of radiation depends on factors such as exposure duration and the pathway of entry into the body.


What type of nuclear radiation can be blocked by a block of lead Beta particles or alpha particles?

Alpha particles can be blocked by a block of lead due to their relatively low penetrating power, while beta particles may require a thicker shield, such as a piece of aluminum or plastic, depending on their energy. Lead is not as effective at blocking beta particles as it is for alpha particles.

Related Questions

What make beta dangerous?

Beta, often referring to beta particles in the context of radiation, can be dangerous due to their ability to penetrate biological tissues and cause cellular damage. While they are less penetrating than gamma rays, beta particles can still result in significant harm if they are ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with skin, potentially leading to radiation burns or increased cancer risk. Additionally, beta radiation can cause ionization in living cells, disrupting normal biological processes. Proper safety measures are essential when working with or around beta-emitting materials.


Why is beta radiation dangerous?

Beta radiation can be harmful to living organisms as it can penetrate the skin and cause damage to tissues and cells. When beta particles are absorbed by the body, they can disrupt cellular processes and DNA, potentially leading to radiation sickness, burns, and an increased risk of cancer. It is important to limit exposure to beta radiation and use appropriate shielding to protect against its harmful effects.


Beta particles will?

They have a RAVE, BABY!


Why is beta radiation most dangerous?

Beta radiation is considered dangerous because it can penetrate the skin and damage cells and tissues. This type of radiation has a moderate level of energy, allowing it to travel further into the body compared to alpha radiation. If internalized, beta particles can cause harm by disrupting cell function and potentially leading to long-term health effects.


What are 3 kinds of radiation given off by radioactive substances?

The three types of radiation given off by radioactive substances are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles are the least penetrating, beta particles are more penetrating than alpha particles, and gamma rays are the most penetrating and dangerous type of radiation.


Will i die from beta particles?

External irradiation is not so important; inhalation or ingestion of beta rays emitters can be dangerous.


What correctly describes the charge of beta particles and alpha particles?

Beta particles have a negative charge, while alpha particles have a positive charge. Beta particles are electrons or positrons, while alpha particles are helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons.


Can paper shield beta particles?

Beta particles are not stopped by a paper sheet.


How far does beta radiation penetrate human tissue?

Beta radiation can penetrate human tissues to a depth of a few millimeters to a few centimeters, depending on the energy of the beta particles. Higher energy beta particles can penetrate deeper into tissues, potentially causing damage to cells and DNA along their path.


What is the ionizing power of alpha particle?

Alpha particles have high ionizing power due to their large mass and double positive charge. They interact strongly with atoms, causing significant ionization as they pass through a material, making them dangerous to living organisms if exposed internally.


Three froms of radioactivity are?

Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Alpha and beta are both particles, but gamma is in the form of a wave. Gamma can travel the fathest but Alpha is the most dangerous when in contact with your skin


What is a soft beta particle?

Low energy beta particles, say, from tritium, are called soft beta particles.