Why does an alpha particle have 40mm range in air?

In summary, alpha particles, being a helium nucleus, are larger and slower than beta particles, resulting in more collisions and faster momentum imparted to other particles. This is due to their double charge, which increases interaction with other charged particles. Additionally, alpha particles can easily become stable helium atoms by taking stray electrons, ceasing to exist as radiating particles.
  • #1
Dixanadu
254
2
Hey everyone...

so I understand that an alpha particle, being a helium nucleus, is quite a large particle compared to, for example, a beta particle. Due to this, it will encounter a lot more collisions and impart its momentum to other particles of air at a much more rapid rate.

Is there anything I'm missing here at a simple level? perhaps any equations that this is due to?
 
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  • #2
very simply ...

the alpha particle will easily take a couple of stray electrons and become a stable Helium atom and thereby ceasing to exist as a radiating particleDave
 
  • #3
First a wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_particle#Energy_and_absorption

From there to note that, the alpha particles are slow in comparison to beta and neutrons speeds. Also the charge is double. And only by these two you would get a lot more interaction with other charged particles on it's path.
 

Related to Why does an alpha particle have 40mm range in air?

1. Why is an alpha particle able to travel such a short distance of only 40mm in air?

The short range of an alpha particle in air is due to its high positive charge and large mass. As it travels, it collides with air molecules, causing it to lose energy and slow down. This ultimately limits its range to only 40mm.

2. Can an alpha particle travel further in other substances besides air?

Yes, an alpha particle can travel further in substances with lower density, such as gases or thin materials. This is because there are fewer particles for the alpha particle to collide with, allowing it to travel a longer distance before losing energy.

3. What happens to an alpha particle when it reaches the end of its 40mm range in air?

When an alpha particle reaches the end of its range in air, it will either be absorbed by a material or continue to travel until it collides with another particle. The likelihood of absorption or collision increases as the particle slows down due to its loss of energy.

4. How does the range of an alpha particle in air compare to other types of radiation?

The range of an alpha particle in air is relatively short compared to other types of radiation. Beta particles, for example, can travel up to a few meters in air, while gamma rays can travel through large distances without being absorbed.

5. Can the range of an alpha particle in air be altered?

Yes, the range of an alpha particle in air can be altered by changing the density of the medium it is traveling through. For example, if the air is compressed, the alpha particle will have a shorter range due to a higher number of collisions with air molecules. Similarly, if the air is rarified, the alpha particle will have a longer range.

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