0
Why can beta particles and gamma rays pass through paper and lead?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Depends on how thick the lead is, but beta particles in general don't travel all that far. Of the three types of radiation, gamma (high energy photons) penetrate the most, alpha (helium nuclei) the least, and beta (electrons or positrons) somewhere in the middle. Since most lead jackets stop gamma you can be pretty sure that the lead jackets they use around x-ray machines will stop beta particles.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBasically, beta particles and gamma rays can pass through paper and lead because they have the energy to do so. Beta particles (electrons or positrons) appear as a result of changes in atomic nuclei, and they leave the event with considerable energy. They can travel some distance, and have some penetrating power. A piece of paper near the radioactive source producing the beta particles will not stop many of those particles because they have fairly high energies.
Gamma rays are high energy electromagnetic radiation. They are like visible light, but of a much higher frequency (and energy). Gamma rays will slice through most materials, and only substances with a high density (like lead) will be effective in stopping them. Gamma rays, like beta particles, are produced by changes in atomic nuclei, and they appear with considerable energies.
More information about beta particles and gamma rays can be discovered by using the links below to the related questions.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoyes, it will stop but it should be at least 1cm thickness.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How would you list alpha partcles beta particles and gamma rays in order of increasing penetrating power?
Alpha particles are the least penetrating, and are not able to pass through a single sheet of paper. Beta particles can penetrate through a sheet of paper, but not a piece of aluminum. Gamma rays can travel through both paper and aluminum and it takes dense material like lead to stop them or reduce their number. Gamma rays are high energy electromagnetic rays.
What are the components of natural radiation in order from least to most penetrating?
Alpha particles, which consist of two protons and two neutrons; Beta particles, which consist of one electron; Gamma rays, which is the highest frequency of electromagnetic radiation, has no mass, and is not made up of any subatomic particles. Alpha particles con be stopped by a mere piece of paper; Beta particles can pass through paper but can be stopped by aluminum foil; Gamma rays can pass through paper and aluminum foil, and can only be stopped by lead or concrete.
How does the penetrating ability of gamma rays compare with that of alpha particles and beta particles?
Gamma rays are more penetrating than alpha and beta particles.
Define the three types of Radiation alpha particles beta particles gamma particles and list the name of the scientist who discovered it?
Ernest Rutherford discovered radiation. Alpha is most harmful is ingested, it cannot penetrate the sign, nor paper or metal or lead, beta is able to penetrate paper and metal, and gamma, the most harmful of the three is able to penetrate paper, metal, lead, and skin. beta can penetrate the skin after a long period of time.
What is alpha beta and gamma in physics?
The first three letters of the greek alphabet. If you mean particles, then ... alpha is a helium nucleolus, beta is an electron, and gamma is electromagnetic radiation.
How would you list alpha partcles beta particles and gamma rays in order of increasing penetrating power?
Alpha particles are the least penetrating, and are not able to pass through a single sheet of paper. Beta particles can penetrate through a sheet of paper, but not a piece of aluminum. Gamma rays can travel through both paper and aluminum and it takes dense material like lead to stop them or reduce their number. Gamma rays are high energy electromagnetic rays.
Explain why beta and gamma particles can easily enter your body?
Beta particles are very small and gamma rays are insubstantial so they can easily pass between or through the atoms of your skin and into your body.
What are the components of natural radiation in order from least to most penetrating?
Alpha particles, which consist of two protons and two neutrons; Beta particles, which consist of one electron; Gamma rays, which is the highest frequency of electromagnetic radiation, has no mass, and is not made up of any subatomic particles. Alpha particles con be stopped by a mere piece of paper; Beta particles can pass through paper but can be stopped by aluminum foil; Gamma rays can pass through paper and aluminum foil, and can only be stopped by lead or concrete.
How would you list alpha particles beta particles and gamma rays in order of increasing energy?
Alpha, beta, gamma.
Which radioactive particle can be stopped by a regular sheet of notebook paper?
Alpha. Beta particles are blocked by a few mm of aluminum and gamma by a few cm of lead. Alpha. Beta particles are blocked by a few mm of aluminum and gamma by a few cm of lead.
How does the penetrating ability of gamma rays compare with that of alpha particles and beta particles?
Gamma rays are more penetrating than alpha and beta particles.
Can paper shield beta particles?
Beta particles are not stopped by a paper sheet.
Define the three types of Radiation alpha particles beta particles gamma particles and list the name of the scientist who discovered it?
Ernest Rutherford discovered radiation. Alpha is most harmful is ingested, it cannot penetrate the sign, nor paper or metal or lead, beta is able to penetrate paper and metal, and gamma, the most harmful of the three is able to penetrate paper, metal, lead, and skin. beta can penetrate the skin after a long period of time.
What are the 3 particles of radiation?
Alpha, Beta and Gamma
Does nucleus changes its charge while emitting from beta and gamma particles simultaneously?
Gamma rays don't carry charge, BUT beta particles do - so a neutron must become a proton.
What three products of radioactive decay?
alpha particles, beta particles, gamma radiation
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
